Hot off wins against Vanderbilt and Southeast Missouri, Ole Miss continued its streak this past weekend with a 44-23 win over The University of Texas, and in typical fashion, Rebel fans were there to cheer on the team and celebrate the victory.
They were not unexpected, either. Texas beer and wine delivery company Smitty’s had been advertising in The Daily Mississippian in the weeks leading up to the game, trying to take advantage of the influx of Oxonians and alumni who were sure to pack Austin.
The roughly 11-and-a-half-hour pilgrimage to Austin was completed by many Ole Miss students eager to see the Rebels play. Students Zachery Newton, Grace Haines, Keely Childress and Sean Higgins were there to witness firsthand that while things may be bigger in Texas, they certainly are not better.
“It’s definitely an experience tailgating out there, and it’s similar to Ole Miss, especially in the family aspect,” said Childress, a senior chemistry major. “But what’s missing is that magical aspect the Grove provides, something that only Ole Miss fans can understand.”
Haines, a junior international studies major, appreciated the atmosphere at the game.
“It was different not being in the student section, but we were actually sitting by a lot of Ole Miss fans, both younger and older,” she said. “UT’s fans were all very nice, and together we filled up the massive stadium. Even though we weren’t in the student section, we still had a blast cheering on the Rebels!”
Everyone knows it is not just about the game, though. Whether we go to Tulane for Bourbon Street or Tuscaloosa for the downtown area, part of the fun of away games is experiencing the town’s nightlife.
“Naturally, Austin is a bigger city and is known for its vibrant nightlife and for Sixth Street,” said Higgins, a junior political science major. “We saw a lot of Ole Miss fans out after the game, but still had fun with all the Texans. We got to celebrate on a rooftop bar, so that was really cool. Nothing can ever compare to the Square after a big game, though.”
Ole Miss fans, elated over the third successive win after what can delicately be called disappointing seasons, made sure to leave their mark.
“Texas comes to Oxford, and the only thing that changes is we have to pay a $30 cover to get into The Library,” said Newton, junior international studies and public policy leadership major. “Ole Miss goes to Austin and literally rips the paint off the walls.”
Shark Tank, the popular traveling Ole Miss party, was also on hand in Austin for those who had tickets.
Hopefully, the momentum will keep up and replace the apathy that has pervaded earlier seasons. Fans are sure to populate Tuscaloosa and Auburn, leading up to the next home game against Texas A&M Oct. 12.
