Starkville gives me the damn heebeejeebees.
It's the kind of feeling you get when you eat way too many fried catfish on a very hot and humid evening, then drink some milk and run around outdoors. I mean, I do that all the time, don't you?
Your sweat becomes thick like the grease you've consumed, you're very nauseous and there's a horrible smell all around you.
This is Starkville – a typical Mississippi town – full of obese, ignorant rednecks clanging antiquated farm equipment in support of a vagabond motley crew of baseball players all while atop ancient pick-up trucks loaded down with rotten wood in semblance of bleachers.
It's time for a sweep.
FRIDAY, 7:00 P.M. (FOX SPORTS NET)
MSU - Tyler Whitney, Sr., LHP
OM - Drew Pomeranz, Jr., LHP
Have you heard of Drew Pomeranz? He's phenomenal. Last week's below par performance against LSU will be vindicated by a masterful 8 IP, 15 K, 0 ER effort on way to a Rebel onslaught. Fox Sports Net will be looking for a way to switch over to women's gymnastics to get out of this beatdown. Rebels win 12-1.
SATURDAY, 6:30 P.M. (SPORTSOUTH)
MSU - Chris Stratton, Fr., RHP
OM - Aaron Barrett, Sr., RHP
Barrett also struggled last week against LSU, but Tippi Tate is no LSU. Chris Stratton will be pitching against Ole Miss for the first time in his career. This has the makings of an upset if my gut holds true. State has a way of using unlikely circumstances to pull off miraculous wins. I'm hoping our solid middle line-up continues to step up. Rebels win, 7-5.
SUNDAY, 1:30 P.M. (CSS)
MSU - Luke Bole, Fr., LHP
OM - TBA
TBA is a joke. It's David Goforth. He had a great start against State in the Guv's Cup. Pitch him on Sunday with a sweep in the balance, and I think he'll respond well. I still don't see Goforth staying in for longer than 5 innings, though. He is a middle relief or long relief pitcher at this level more than anything. He'll get Ole Miss out to a great start, however, and the bats will close out a hot streak and bring the win streak to an impressive 10 games. Rebels win, 8-4.
Here's the list of teams who swept State so far this year:
Alabama
Florida
Arkansas
AND MOST DAMN IMPORTANTLY....SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA
Granted, SELA is in the top 25 in some polls, but the point remains, quality teams have the ability to sweep the Bulldawgs.
And honestly, considering the SEC Western division race, we need this sweep to put pressure on Arkansas before their trip from Fayettenam. You can do this, Rebels. You've got me believing again.