I just wish the SEC would sack up and recognize that home field advantage in Starkville, even with cowbells, is just plain average for the SEC. And eliminate the stupid rule - which was put in at a time when referees could take action against natural fan noise. The NCAA has grown up since then and the SEC should too.
The more people (in the SEC region and nationally) recognize and think of the bells more as our 'tradition' than as some sort of competitive advantage, the better off we'll be.
We have a great gameday atmosphere, and it's getting better and better. One that visitors actually enjoy overall (with a few exceptions from sore losers). And after they have been here, they generally understand that the bells are part of a great experience and don't actually affect the game at all. I can't remember the last time the other team had a delay of game penalty because of the cowbells... Or tell me the last time an opposing
player complained about them... Anyone?
When you go to Deaf Valley, you want to get there in time to see the pre-game "Hold that Tiger". Go to Auburn, you want to see the eagle fly. I went to Autzen and wanted to hear how loud it was. I want to go to Beaver Stadium, and I want to see this 'white out'. It's part of each campus' unique experience, and it's part of why people travel to games. In my opinion, we need to use this as the basis for our argument to keep the bells. I would bet that if ESPN picks up on this and conducted a poll, that most people around the country would vote "let them keep their tradition" or "who cares?"... either of which Strick could use as ammo.
