coldsweat
Drink & Be Merry!
What's the big deal about playing Delta State in Cleveland, besides the stadium issues? If you look at it, they're actually better than Valley, JSU, and Alcorn. They have won a D2 National Championship and almost made it to the title game this season. For a D2 team, they definitely have some talent. They were wearing Valley out when they played the home and home series with them a few years ago. I think Valley only won one game out of the 4 they played.
Delta State could be a 1-AA team. They probably wouldn't be a good one to start off with but they definitely have talent for a 1-AA squad. And, to tell you the truth, they are the best college football team in Mississippi right now. Delta State, USM, Ole Miss, Alcorn, JSU, Valley, and Mississippi State bringing up the rear.
Yall are acting like you're going to Texas to play a D2 school. Cleveland is probably 3 hours away from Jackson. That's almost like going to Valley and you go there every other year. You'll lose the same amount as going to Valley. JSU will benefit from it, too. There's a ton of talent on those teams in the Cleveland area (Cleveland Eastside, Cleveland High, Ray Brooks, Shaw High, Broad Street, etc.) that don't normally get to see JSU. You'll definitely land some good recruits out of that trip.
Some of yall can really handicap yourselves and your program with the attitudes you have. Let's face it, none of us are the best football team in the state of Mississippi right now. The Statesmen (or the Fried Okra-whatever they want to call themselves when they play you) of Delta State are the best team in Mississippi...in ANY division (D2, 1-AA, or 1A)!
Damn, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with most of what you are saying. Especially the part about this being a possible recruitment strategy to market to the Delta which for years has developed remarkable talent but for some odd reasons (grades & lack of resources) have yet to overcome the numerous challenges.
Maybe, I'm partial to a home & home game series for Delta State since I attended Broad Street for a while and know the entire area. But realistically, the Delta needs a program like JSU to help build up some community morale, support, and bring money to the area. A game like JSU vs. Delta State would do "wonders" for that poverty-stricken area, but also do wonders to JSU's ability to actively recruit in that market.
For years, the Delta has proven to have some of the best athletes in the state, only to see a bulk of their prized players never get the grade or attend a JUCO where they fell off the map. It's an unfortunate situation that has only continued to get worse from what I see. However, having a game of this magnitude would help revitalize some of the excitement in that area and possibly create some needed motivation amongst the area schools.
I say play a home & home series. Undoubtedly, the game in Cleveland would be a sell out because there's really nothing to do in that part of the region except to go to Tunica to the casino's! :smh: There's nothing, in my opinion for us to lose and so much for us to gain. We really need to stop debating "in the box" and step outside from time to time. JSU could really make this thing work for both sides and help ignite a continual positive market strategy that could change the way the Delta is perceived by many outsiders! :nod: