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Southern Miss students and fans will "black-out" the M.M. Roberts stadium this Saturday to watch the Golden Eagles face off with Memphis.
The annual Blackout game is part of a big weekend for the football program and the university, which use the game as a major recruiting tool.
This year, the game has some extra meaning with the team fighting to get back above .500.
"We should have a chip on our shoulder, regardless of who we play," Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora said Tuesday. "We've had three games now where we have come up short so I would imagine (the players) have a chip on their shoulder about whoever they play. Whether it's Memphis or not, it's our next football game and we need to get back in that win column."
Junior graphic design major Rachel Ross, a member of the Dixie Darlings dance team, says she enjoys the atmosphere of the blackout because it brings people together.
"From the perspective of seeing the stands from the field, it's fun to see so much school spirit," Ross said. "And it's always fun to see how far some people take it."
But Southern Miss students have a lot on their plate this week, and some aren't planning on getting out to support the Eagles (3-3).
"It's mid-terms and I don't have any plans to go to the game," USM student Andrea Thornhill said. "I don't care whether it's a blackout or not."
The game, scheduled for 6 p.m., can be heard locally on Rock 104.5 FM but will not be televised.
You make some great points. As far as the people that know me who have commented, I personally think it's fine for them to admit they know me. It keeps everything honest. Would you rather they lied? However, quoting from your comment....
Saying "I'm not going to support them since they don't support me" is not the mind frame we should have, whether we are a football player or valedictorian.I haven't made that claim. What I did say was that I don't Expect the football team in my audience. Not because they are athletes. I don't Expect them there because I know they are busy and so I don't feel disrespected if they choose not to attend. Which, is the same respect I deserve.
I also already mentioned that I know several people involved with BOTH academics and athletes who excel in representing their school and themselves.As far as the ballgame, I have several outside academic projects to work on this weekend because I could not do them during midterms. I'm on top of my own business.The point I wanted to make with all of this is that no matter what you choose to do, be it athletics, academics, art, performance, whatever, It's important to DO SOMETHING. Our school would be better representative if more students got involved with all of the extra opportunities and organizations on campus besides only spectating at events.
Again, same message I'd say to Cam. Calling people "douches" only provides evidence for your own ignorance. If you want to defend your stance or take up for someone you care about, using terms "douche" and "imbeciles" removes any credibility to your statement.
Grow up you skank and learn some fucking manners. (See how that last sentence ruins the context of the paragraph? Learn. )To Andrea:
There's no problem with being highly involved in academics. It's a GOOD thing. However, why can't football fans be in attendance for your research presentations? Are we certain atheletes, whether soccer, baseball, rugby, etc., are not part of the academic club, or present at your mentioned conferences?My point is, as students of the university we love, we should all support each other. Support starts by attending football games, attending plays and concerts, going to art exhibits, meeting alumni at baseball games, listening to speakers on newfound research, etc. etc. etc. It will make you a well-rounded and knowledgeable student. And that goes for all of us, not just those who favor books over balls (the sports kind, Erin. Get your head out of the gutter).Saying "I'm not going to support them since they don't support me" is not the mindframe we should have, whether we are a football player or valedictorian.Bluntly, 3 hours of a weekend does not hold any impact on a grade. If it does, you were doomed anyway. It's going to be wonderful weather this weekend; take a break from study, relax, and attend the game if possible to support your school.
No, my research hasn't brought millions to the school. Would the Athletics department exist if there were no academics? No, it would not. The two institutions depends on one another. Both reserve the right to attend whatever forum or function they choose. As previously stated, I do not have time for the game this weekend.
This is in fact, The Andrea Thornhill some of you are annoyed with. I do not think I will be able to change all of your minds but for my own peace of mind I'd like to state the following points. I DO SUPPORT USM. I support our school academically in ways that many students do not choose to participate in. I have been to several conferences, presented original research, tutored many freshman, and I am president of an academic club. I don't expect the football team to be in the audience when I present a paper or poster. The athletics department and the students involved with the programs are just like me. However, we have each chosen different ways to show our support for USM. If you think I'm an idiot thats ok because you are entitled to your own opinion. However, I think that people should recognize ALL of the ways a student can support their college, department, and fellow students. Have a great time at the ball game!