Tuesday, September 9, 2014   
 
Jack Cristil brings together generations of Mississippi State fans
His voice reached the ears of generations and generations of Mississippi State sports fans. Jack Cristil, the school's beloved sports broadcaster, was there when the legendary Babe McCarthy coached MSU basketball in the mid-1950s. That was 13 years before current hoops coach Rick Ray was born. And though he called mostly 60 percent of every football game played in the history of the school -- compared to 55 percent of all men's basketball games -- basketball just seemed to own a special place in his heart. "I'm not sure basketball wasn't his favorite sport," current MSU play-by-play announcer Jim Ellis said. "He loved calling basketball."
 
Jack Cristil: 'He loved ...that Mississippi State people loved him'
The final seconds ticked off the clock Saturday until it reached zero -- or "Bingo," as Jack Cristil used to call it. Mississippi State had won and like it had so many times before, Jack Cristil's voice could be heard ringing throughout Davis Wade Stadium, "Wrap it in Maroon and White!" Except this time it was a recording. Just north in Tupelo, the voice of the Bulldogs for 58 years was in his final hours. Cristil passed away Sunday evening at the age of 88 following a lengthy battle with kidney disease. Immediately, the MSU family began to celebrate the life of the man who had been attached to so many fond memories for nearly six decades.
 
Mississippi State's Dan Mullen tells Jack Cristil stories
As news spread regarding the death of Jack Cristil on Sunday night, so too did the stories of the former "Voice of the Bulldogs." Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen spent some time Monday during his weekly press conference talking about his time with Cristil. Mullen arrived in Starkville in 2009. Cristil retired in 2011. But even in the tiny slice of Cristil's career, Mullen remembered some good moments.
 
Residents mourn the loss of Mississippi State sports legend
As Mississippi State fans mourn the loss of their beloved voice of the Bulldogs, so does the town that Jack Cristil called home. "Six tall was one, bingo, and of course my favorite was you can wrap this one in maroon and white," said friend of Cristil's, Mike Armour, about the man of many sayings. Sportscaster Jack Cristil instilled many of those into his Tupelo friends, family, and colleagues. Now, his death leaves a void people in Tupelo doubt anyone can fill.
 
Mississippi State broadcasting legend Jack Cristil remembered
Mississippi State University remembered broadcaster Jack Cristil, who passed away Sunday. Cristil began announcing for MSU in 1953. He stepped down in 2011 due to health reasons. In 2011, the state legislators proclaimed March 16 as "Jack Cristil Day" at the Capitol. "He impacted so many people in media, in the state of Mississippi and in the SEC because he was genuine," radio host Bo Bounds said. "I'll never forget driving down the back roads of Mississippi on a Saturday afternoon trying to find his voice," said Rick Cleveland, executive director of the Mississippi State Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Jack Cristil funeral services to be held Wednesday in Tupelo
Funeral services for Jack Cristil, 88, of Tupelo will be held Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo. Interment will follow at Lee Memorial Park in Verona. On Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at 6 p.m., Mississippi State will host a public memorial service honoring the "Voice of the Bulldogs" in the Humphrey Coliseum. At the Tupelo service on Wednesday, MSU President Mark E. Keenum will deliver a welcome. Former MSU athletic director Larry Templeton of Starkville will deliver the eulogy with Marc Perler of Temple B'Nai Israel in Tupelo officiating.
 
Legendary Bulldogs' announcer Cristil dead at 88
Mississippi State lost its strongest voice Sunday. Jack Cristil, who served as MSU's play-by-play announcer for football and basketball for 58 years, passed away Sunday at the Sanctuary Hospice House of Tupelo. Cristil, who suffered from cancer and kidney disease, was 88. MSU posted a full tribute to Cristil late Sunday night. It included archived photos, a tribute video and links to dozens of his trademark calls. That list included the final 90 seconds of his second-to-last basketball game in 2011, the night he announced his pending retirement. Cristil's last broadcast came on Feb. 26, 2011, in a game at Tennessee. MSU won 60-59, prompting Cristil to sign off for the last time with his trademark phrase, "You can wrap this one in maroon and white."
 
BRAD LOCKE (OPINION): Cristil was a master at calling the game
The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal's Brad Locke writes: "Like most people who have met Jack Cristil, you heard him before you ever saw him. He wasn't a large man, but that baritone voice could fill a room, whether it was coming through your radio or from across the table as he puffed on a Pall Mall. As the Journal's Mississippi State beat writer for five years, I had the pleasure of meeting Jack Cristil and getting to know the man a little. ...He was dedicated to his job and doing it professionally, but Cristil was also dedicated to his family, to his synagogue -- Temple B'Nai Israel in Tupelo -- and to MSU. He worked, loved and lived on his own terms. Jack Cristil's voice is gone, but it will echo through the years and in the memories of those who heard him."
 
OUR OPINION: Cristil's professionalism shaped his lasting mark
The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal editorializes: "Jack Cristil's rich, distinctive voice and precise descriptives helped create a vast radio audience for Mississippi State football and basketball for 58 years until his doctor-ordered retirement in 2011, and during his storied tenure at the mic he became the most ardent of Maroon and White supporters. Cristil died Sunday at 88 in Tupelo. His identity with Mississippi State University was at least as strong as any of the other long-term and much-heard collegiate announcers in U.S. history. ...Cristil's legacy is a record of service to Mississippi State and all sports fans. His work was defined by integrity, accuracy and an understanding of how important college athletics is in the lives of many people."
 
BILLY WATKINS (OPINION): Mississippi State's Jack Cristil: The man, the legend
The Clarion-Ledger's Billy Watkins writes: "Six-tall. That was Jack Cristil's unique way of saying a player stood 6-foot. To this day, I say it every time conversation permits and give Cristil full credit. How many people do you know who created a word or phrase? ...When you write about teams for a living, you get to know the players, coaches and broadcasters. I covered State off and on for 14 years. The first time Jack Cristil called me by my first name, we were standing in the press box in Starkville before a football game. It remains one of the biggest thrills of my career. I had played many a game by myself in our front yard, while also describing the action with the best Cristil imitation I could muster. It's what Mississippi boys did."
 
Scientists Say Tick Bite Can Lead to Deadly Allergy
With the weather cooling, more Mississippians are heading outdoors to enjoy nature, but some scientists are warning that certain tick bites can now cause a severe allergy to red meat. The allergy can produce a hive-like rash, and in some cases, a dangerous anaphylactic shock. Allergies to beef, lamb and pork are still relatively rare, but over the past few years new cases have been on the rise. Scientists believe the increase in the number of red meat allergies can now be attributed to bites from the Lone Star tick. Jerome Goddard, a medical entomologist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, says a sugar molecule named galactose-alpha-1 -- or "alpha-gal" for short -- is why people suddenly develop the allergy.
 
Doctor: Respiratory virus not in Mississippi yet, but prepare
Enterovirus D-68 is a respiratory illness that has sent hundreds of children to hospitals across the Midwest, including health care facilities in Missouri and Illinois. Although there have been no reported cases in Mississippi, the head of infectious diseases at University Mississippi Medical Center said it's only a matter of time before the widespread outbreak arrives. "This is a very contagious virus. There is a high attack rate and people don't sit still," said Dr. Skip Nolan, director of Division of Infectious Diseases at UMMC.
 
Musgrove: More districts consider funding lawsuit
Former Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove said Monday that about 30 more school districts are considering whether to join an education-funding lawsuit he filed against the state. Fourteen districts, including Greenville and Hattiesburg, are already plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which seeks money to make up for budget shortfalls since 2010 because the Legislature has not fulfilled obligations of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program. Musgrove spoke Monday at a forum sponsored by Mississippi State University's Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development and the Capitol press corps in Jackson.
 
Musgrove Says More Districts Considering Joining Lawsuit
Former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove says more districts are showing interest in his education funding lawsuit against the state. But, he could be having trouble picking up support among groups that traditionally push for full funding of the state's formula. Speaking Monday at a Stennis Institute-Capitol Press Corps forum in Jackson, Musgrove said he was forced to sue because state lawmakers have shown that they will not voluntarily fund the program. His lawsuit appears to be struggling to gather the backing of other groups traditionally in favor of full funding of MAEP, a number of whom attended the speech.
 
Musgrove: Law says 'shall' fund education
Former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove wants the courts to tell the Legislature what "shall" means for fully funding education and defends his potentially making millions in legal fees as part of the cost of enforcing education funding law. Musgrove has filed a lawsuit against the state on behalf of 14 school districts and says five or six more are likely to sign on. The lawsuit seeks more than $115 million the districts have been underfunded since 2010, based on the Mississippi Adequate Education Program formula. "We just want the Legislature to do what they said they were going to do," Musgrove said Monday in a meeting with The Clarion-Ledger. "...A lot of school districts are being devastated by this underfunding."
 
Presley calling for investigation of electric power associations
Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley wants the utility regulator to investigate whether some electric power associations are holding money they should refund to their member-owners. Presley, a Democrat, said yesterday that he plans to ask the Public Service Commission at its meeting today to launch a formal inquiry. Michael Callahan, CEO of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi, pledged to work with the commission to examine the issue. "There may be a rainy day fund, but I have a hard time believing customers are not owed money," he said.
 
Hot button issues before lawmakers
Controversial drug testing of welfare recipients and guidelines to operate charter schools are among hot-button issues that state lawmakers grappled with this past legislative session. Three members of the Mississippi House of Representatives who represent DeSoto County touched on a wide range of topics to the Southaven Rotary Club recently at the Holiday Inn. State Reps. Pat Nelson (R-Southaven), Gene Alday (R-Walls) and Wanda Jennings (R-Southaven) updated Rotary Club members on recent legislation during their 20 minute presentation to the club. The DeSoto County delegation in the Legislature is the second-largest block of legislators in the state. Alday said the county delegation is a cohesive force that does not bend to special interests.
 
GOP Power Player Could Beef Up Jackson's Lobbying Firepower
A major Republican power player who helped Mayor Tony Yarber win his current position is in line to be the City of Jackson's next lobbyist. The Jackson City Council is scheduled to vote on a professional services contract with Hayes Dent Public Strategies at its regular meeting on Tuesday. Dent served as the chief of staff for former Gov. Kirk Fordice, and he was the Republican nominee for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District in 1993, running against now-Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Democrat who won his first term that year. Hiring Dent's firm could be seen as a shrewd move for Jackson, a largely Democratic city whose relationship with the Republican-dominated Legislature has been tumultuous. Others might see it as a way to reward the firm for its help procuring the mayoral seat for Yarber.
 
Mississippi Army National Guard postpones weekend drills
Mississippi Army National Guard officials say a federal budget shortfall is forcing it to postpone weekend drills to late September with the hope that funding will become available later. Spokesman Tim Powell says that Mississippi, like many other states, has called off training because of the National Guard Bureau is $101 million over budget due to higher-than-normal spending. Powell says the Mississippi guard hopes that money can be shifted from other accounts to allow for training later this month. The shortfall does not affect the Air National Guard.
 
East Mississippi Business Development Corporation president resigns
Wade Jones is resigning as president of the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce/economic development organization for Meridian and Lauderdale County, according to a press release issued Monday. Bob Luke, chairman of the EMBDC board, states in the press release that the Executive Committee accepted Jones' resignation Monday. Neither Jones nor Luke could be reached for comment Monday afternoon. Luke, Principal Architect at LPK Architects in Meridian, said that Wade will be missed but that he is confident this is a good decision for Wade, EMBDC, and the community.
 
Laughs and Accolades as Clinton and Bush Introduce a Leadership Program
At a time of heightened partisanship in Washington, it seemed a brief respite to watch former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton sit side by side on stage and gush about each other's leadership and acute decision-making skills. On Monday, the two introduced a joint program to train young leaders through a collaboration of their presidential libraries and those of the elder George Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson. The discussion, at the Newseum in Washington, stood as a lighthearted reminder of how much can change in politics after a president leaves office, and how much, after their presidencies, Mr. Bush and Mr. Clinton have come together, even as they embrace very different agendas.
 
CO2 levels in atmosphere rising at dramatically faster rate, U.N. report warns
Levels of heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere rose at a record-shattering pace last year, a new report shows, a surge that surprised scientists and spurred fears of an accelerated warming of the planet in decades to come. Concentrations of nearly all the major greenhouse gases reached historic highs in 2013, reflecting ever-rising emissions from automobiles and smokestacks but also, scientists believe, a diminishing ability of the world's oceans and plant life to soak up the excess carbon put into the atmosphere by humans, according to data released early Tuesday by the United Nations' meteorological advisory body.
 
Growing Concerns About Sexual Assaults on College Campuses
Concerns about sexual assault on college campuses continue to grow, and even the White House is weighing in on the matter. As the issue continues to make national headlines, Mississippi University for Women President Jim Borsig says educating students about sexual assault and safety is a priority. "There's extensive training for students that live in resident halls, university counseling center and the dean of student's office and student life sponsor workshops on dating safety throughout the year," says Borsig. Borsig says the reporting process is vital to keeping their campus safe.
 
Two new eating facilities on UM campus attract large numbers
Two new eating-places on campus, Rebel Market and Freshii, have been flourishing since school started. The first week of school, from Aug. 25 until Sept. 2, Freshii has served 1,566 customers; out of this number 568 transactions were Meal Plan's Plus 1. Rebel Market served 20,655 customers, and 17,603 of these were student meal plan customers and 265 faculty and staff member transactions. Richard Bradley, marketing manager for Ole Miss Dining Center, likes that many of the transactions made for the facilities have been from students meal plans. "We want people to be able to use their meal plans anywhere, and we want them to find value in that," he said.
 
William Carey to hold scholarship dinner featuring Khayat
The fourth annual William Carey University scholarship dinner, featuring University of Mississippi Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Robert C. Khayat, will be held at Southern Oaks House and Gardens at 7 p.m. Tuesday. A VIP reception at 6 p.m. will begin the evening's activities. During the dinner, special scholarship presentations will be made to students receiving scholarships in previous dinner speakers' names, including the Sen. Trent Lott, Gov. Phil Bryant and Sen. Roger Wicker scholarships. A similar scholarship will be established in Khayat's name. More than 90 percent of WCU students receive some type of financial assistance. Over $1.1 million has been raised through past dinners.
 
Natchez superintendent's departure from Co-Lin Community College board a first
Adams County is now the only county served by Copiah-Lincoln Community College that is not represented by its school district superintendent on the college's board of trustees. Natchez-Adams School District Superintendent Frederick Hill recently resigned from his post on the board. Co-Lin President Ronnie Nettles said this is the first time a county served by his school does not have its superintendent on the college's board. Nettles said Hill's request to resign initially required some research from college officials. "We had to get the attorney general involved, but Dr. Hill can resign," he said.
 
U. of Alabama, Lockheed announce laboratory partnership
Global aerospace titan Lockheed Martin has partnered with the University of Alabama to develop an analytics research lab at the Culverhouse College of Commerce. The partnership, announced Monday, will result in the first such facility of its kind in the United States that is dedicated exclusively to the field of data science. "The University of Alabama and the Culverhouse College of Commerce have become recognized leaders in business analytics and innovation," said University of Alabama President Judy Bonner. "We are excited that this lab will provide research to businesses that will help them become more effective not only locally, but globally as well."
 
AMSTI-Auburn University makes math and science fun
The Alabama Math, Science and Teaching Initiative welcomed students, teachers and administrators to its new Auburn University facility in Opelika during an open house Monday. Adults and children alike were mesmerized by the event's showcase of hands-on math and science activities. AMSTI is an initiative of the Alabama Department of Education to improve math and science education across the state by providing trained teachers the equipment, materials and resources needed for activity-based math and science education. AMSTI-AU's 43,500-square-foot facility holds math and science kits that serve 58 schools in eight counties and 15 school districts.
 
'We're coming after you,' police tell suspect in attacks on women at U. of Florida
Members of law enforcement from around the state stood behind University of Florida Police Chief Linda Stump Monday afternoon as a sign of unified command against a man who they believe attacked four women on and around the UF campus over the past nine days. UPD and the Gainesville Police Department are moving more resources to patrol the campus, especially at night, officials said at the multi-agency press conference. Stump said she had a message for the assailant. "We're coming after you,'' she said. "We understand your method of operation. We're not going to stop until we bring this thing to closure.''
 
U. of Florida community comes together in wake of recent attacks
About 100 University of Florida students gathered on the Plaza of the Americas on Monday to unite in the wake of turmoil. Second-year graduate student Nikki Steinberger said she was with friends on Sunday night when UF pumped text messages and emails that alerted students of a fourth campus-area assault. It was high time for the Gator community to come together, Steinberger said. "I've heard so many people say that they can't believe this happened to our community," she said. "It did, and now we have to think about moving forward in a passionate way." Students took the first steps toward a solution to the fear from the attacks by signing banners that promised they would never walk alone. The UF community was rocked by the news of a fourth campus-area attack that occurred on Sunday night.
 
LSU to see nearly $14.5M after WISE panel agrees to fund distribution plan
LSU will be able to tap into nearly $14.5 million for high-demand fields through the state's newly-created WISE Fund, the state's community and technical colleges stand to get nearly $12 million through it, and the University of Louisiana System's campuses will be reaping about $11.4 million. Leaders on Monday agreed to a distribution formula for the $40 million Workforce and Innovation for a Stronger Economy Fund, or WISE Fund, after weeks of hashing out details that would determine how much each system stood to get. The fund was created during this year's legislative session to address Louisiana's workforce development and education needs at the same time, though lawmakers left oversight largely to a newly created council of workforce and higher education leaders.
 
U. of Kentucky breaks ground on 1,000-seat dining hall financed by Aramark
University of Kentucky officials broke ground Monday on a 1,000-seat dining hall that is to house a Panera Bread restaurant and a research institute aimed at bolstering the use of locally grown food. "The 90" --- named for the right-angle juncture of Hilltop and Woodland avenues, where the building will sit --- is a $32 million, 80,000-square-foot structure built by food services corporation Aramark as part of the multinational company's new dining services contract with UK. In addition to several restaurants, the building will contain offices for Food Connection, a new partnership financed by Aramark with the College of Food, Agriculture and Environment to study local food systems.
 
U.S. News rankings of best colleges include Georgia schools
U.S. News and World Report is out with its annual ranking of the nation's best colleges. The 2015 rankings, released Tuesday, mark the magazine's 30th edition of the popular report, and gives some Georgia colleges high marks. Emory ranked 21st among the top 100 public and private schools in the Best National Colleges category; Georgia Tech tied with Brandeis University for 35th, and the University of Georgia tied with five other colleges at 62nd. Emory's six-year graduation rate was 91 percent; Georgia Tech's was 82 percent; UGA's 83 percent. Among public institutions, Georgia Tech ranked 7th on the list of top National Universities. UGA tied several other schools for 20th. Among more than 50 ranked historically black colleges and universities, Spelman ranked first; Morehouse College ranked 3rd, and Clark Atlanta University ranked 18th.
 
U. of Georgia ranked 20th on 'Best Colleges' list
The University of Georgia ranked at No. 20 on the Best Colleges 2015 list released today by U.S. News & World Report. "While specific numerical rankings will vary from year to year, I am pleased that the University of Georgia continues to be recognized among the leading public universities in the nation," said UGA President Jere W. Morehead in a news release. "Our high standing overall, and in specific programs, provides more evidence of the outstanding academic experience offered at this institution."
 
UGA, Georgia Tech receiving OSHA grants
Officials from the U.S. Department of Labor say two Georgia organizations will receive worker training grant funding from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Officials say the University of Georgia and the Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. are being given about $214,000 in funding through the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program. The schools are part of 78 groups being given more than $10.6 million in funding to help train employees to recognize workplace safety and health hazards.
 
Clemson reaches Top 20, U. of South Carolina program nation's best again
Clemson University has reached its goal of becoming a Top 20 public college. Meanwhile, the University of South Carolina's international business school program was ranked the nation's best for the 16th consecutive year, according to U.S. News & World Report's annual college rankings, released Tuesday. Clemson rose one spot this year to No. 20 on the public-university list, the Upstate school's highest ranking ever. USC ranked 55th for the third straight year. U.S. News' rankings are dismissed by some academics as arbitrary. But they take into account factors that some parents and students use as a guide to help choose a school.
 
Vanderbilt gets highest-ever ranking in Best Colleges list
Vanderbilt University landed its highest-ever ranking in the latest U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges" report, released today. The Nashville-based school is ranked No. 16 on this year's list after sitting at No. 17 for the past five years. The school was tied with Brown University and the University of Notre Dame on this year's list. "It is an exceptionally exciting time for Vanderbilt academically, financially and culturally, and we are pleased to receive this national recognition of the Vanderbilt experience and the unique learning opportunities we provide to our students," said Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos.
 
Texas A&M hires second firm in search for new president
Texas A&M has hired a second company to aid in its hunt for a new president and doesn't expect a candidate to be selected until at least the end of the year. Faculty Senate Speaker Jim Woosley relayed that message from Interim President Mark Hussey to the group of professors Monday, saying that the additional firm will assist Korn Ferry International in its search that recently passed its one-year mark. Steve Moore, vice chancellor of marketing and communications for the Texas A&M University System, confirmed the remarks and said the school hired executive search firm Isaacson, Miller.
 
U. of Missouri System paying almost $500,000 for Title IX consultation, development
The University of Missouri System is paying just shy of $500,000 for its expansive consulting contract with the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management for help creating policies and training for Title IX practices systemwide. Under the yearlong contract, which went into effect in mid-July, the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management is to be an adviser for the university and the system's sexual assault and mental health task force. The task force was created by UM System President Tim Wolfe earlier this year and charged with taking inventory of resources on system campuses, investigating campus policies and possibly finding areas for improvement.
 
U.S. News college rankings: Princeton holds on to top spot but is it really No. 1?
College rankings have become a popular game, with numerous other publications issuing their own -- some of them based more on concrete outcomes or affordability than the US News ones. Even the federal government plans to get into the college ratings business (though they emphasize the distinction between "ratings" and "rankings"), based largely on access and affordability. But US News, which has been publishing its rankings for 30 years now, remains both the most well known and the most controversial. In recent years, as the problems of rising college costs and student debt have risen to the forefront, the U.S. News rankings are frequently cited as part of the problem.
 
'New York Times' introduces new index of colleges' commitment to low-income students
The New York Times kicked off its higher education conference in New York Monday night by releasing what it called a "revolutionary college index" that ranks institutions that enroll students from low-income backgrounds. The rankings are derived from a formula based on the proportion of undergraduates who receive Pell Grants and the net price (what students actually pay as opposed to sticker price) paid by those with family incomes of $30,000 to $48,000. But the Times applied this formula only to institutions with a four-year graduation rate of at least 75 percent. That's a bar that only about 100 colleges meet, and all but three of them are private institutions.
 
U.S. Science Suffering From Booms And Busts In Funding
Grants are the lifeblood of university research. Scientists rely on that steady stream of cash to hire staff, buy equipment and run the experiments. Their results help propel innovation, medical advances and local economies. Academic research is a major reason the United States remains a leader in medicine and biotechnology; but the future is uncertain.
 
Demand for degrees grows in many fields that haven't required them
The broad public policy push for more Americans to get a higher education leans heavily on the idea that those without a college degree are up a creek, because so many jobs in today's technology and information economy (and more in tomorrow's) will require a credential. Many critics of higher education, in turn, complain that the "college completion" movement has been fed by (and feeds) credential inflation, with employers imposing a degree requirement for many jobs that never required one (and still don't) simply because they can. A new report offers evidence to support both arguments -- and reasons both for college officials to be optimistic about continuing demand for their degrees and to see danger signs on the horizon.
 
3 Ways Colleges Use Snapchat (Yes, Snapchat)
To catch a fish, head to the water. That simple idea motivated the University of Houston to adopt Snapchat, a smartphone application popular with teenagers, as a method of communication with prospective and current students. When it signed up for an account in January, the university was one of only a few experimenting with the social-media platform. Now more colleges are diving in, hoping to hook students' attention. "We like to bring our message to our audience instead of making them dig for it," says Jessica Brand, the university's social-media manager. Snapchat allows users to send their friends photographs or short videos that disappear after one to 10 seconds. A newer feature allows the creation of a Snapchat Story, a series of images and videos that lasts for 24 hours. So far, universities have used Snapchat to reach three main groups: current students, prospective students and prospective student-athletes.
 
CHARLIE MITCHELL (OPINION): Casino sheen fading, no rescue effort likely
Longtime Mississippi journalist Charlie Mitchell writes: "Grass is reclaiming the acres of parking that served what was Mississippi's largest casino complex. One white pickup with a blinking orange light now prowls the vast real estate of Harrah's Tunica --- the only security remaining from 1,000 folks who lost jobs three months ago when Caesar's Entertainment decided to stop losing money at the venue and shut it down. ...The casino industry is still more than viable in Tunica -- Caesar's Entertainment still operates two large properties there and six other casino-hotels welcome patrons -- but it seems clear enough that the growth trend has reversed."


SPORTS
 
Bulldogs turn focus to Jags for first road test
Following a 47-34 win against UAB, Mississippi State (2-0) will begin a two-game road swing Saturday as the Bulldogs travel to Mobile to face South Alabama (1-0). The Jags enter the matchup after posting a 347-yard effort in a 23-13 win at Kent State. While the Bulldogs allowed 548 yards against the Blazers, Mullen said coaching his players to be in the right position to make plays will reduce mistakes against USA. "If you look at the last game, in 69 plays on defense we gave up 113 yards, and on 10 plays we gave up 415. There are some great things we can get corrected, and we want to play all of our plays like the other 69 and not like the 10," Mullen said.
 
Mississippi State's Mullen targeting some fixes
Mississippi State is off to a 2-0 start while averaging 533 yards of offense and 48 points per game. But the Bulldogs' first two opponents combined for three wins a year ago and coach Dan Mullen understands there is still plenty of room for improvement before his team hits Southeastern Conference play in two weeks. This week MSU hits the road for the first time, traveling to South Alabama. The Jaguars opened the season with a 23-13 win at Kent State and return 16 senior starters from last season's 6-6 squad. "They don't just have veterans, they have playmakers," Mullen said.
 
Mississippi State's Smith earns second-consecutive SEC defensive lineman of the week honor
Mississippi State senior Preston Smith was named Southeastern Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week for the second-consecutive week, league officials announced Monday. Smith earned the honor after returning an interception 21 yards for his first career touchdown this past Saturday in State's 47-34 victory vs. UAB at home. The Stone Mountain, Ga., native also tallied five tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hurry against the Blazers.
 
Mississippi State, LSU to kick off at 6 p.m. on ESPN Sept. 20
Mississippi State and LSU will kick off at 6 p.m. on ESPN on Sept. 20. It is the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams. The Bulldogs (2-0) travel to Mobile, Alabama this week to face South Alabama (1-0) in a 3 p.m. kickoff Saturday on ESPNews. LSU (2-0) plays Louisiana-Monroe this week.
 
N.C.A.A. Decides to Roll Back Sanctions Against Penn State
The N.C.A.A. on Monday restored Penn State's postseason eligibility, removing one of the final hurdles in its football team's path back to normalcy in the aftermath of the child sexual abuse scandal that engulfed the university nearly three years ago. The decision by the N.C.A.A.'s executive committee means that Penn State will be allowed to participate in a bowl game this season, if it qualifies. It also restores all the scholarships that it stripped from the team. "This is welcome news for the university community, particularly for our current and future student-athletes," said Eric Barron, Penn State's president. The N.C.A.A.'s retreat on Penn State left some observers wondering whether the association had undercut its own authority.
 
At Meeting of Knight Commission, Old Ideas Are New Again
Amid growing scrutiny of college sports, leaders of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics gathered in Washington on Monday to discuss what they called "new approaches for the next era." The featured speaker was Brian Hainline, chief medical officer of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, who called for more research into concussions and increased awareness of mental-health problems and drug and alcohol use in big-time sports. But one of the more innovative ideas offered up -- a proposal that would eliminate scholarships in nonrevenue sports like golf and tennis in favor of need-based aid -- was first introduced some 20 years ago.



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