I don't think most major media outlets understand the changing dynamic at State. First, you have a young AD who wants to make a name for himself and the quickest way to do that is to make successful hire at head football coach. So, I believe he will go about the search in a deliberate, professional way that will give MSU the best possible candidates from which to choose.
Second, State has financial resources available (the Seal donation and the ESPN contract) that didn't exist just last year. Therefore we have the ability to offer a coach a top 20-25 salary.
Third, in the past 5 years State has upgraded all of their football facilities, save the stadium - weight rooms, indoor practice facility, academic center, players lounge, etc. I think any coach who actually takes the time to listen to what Greg Byrne has to say will be surprised at how the national perception does meet up with reality.
Fourth, the city of Starkville has changed significantly over the past 10 years. The days of two-lane highways coming in and out of town are over. Entertainment (read bars) and dining opportunities have improved. Also the campus gets get prettier every year, with improvements in architecture and landscaping, as well as making it more pedestrian friendly. By no means will Starkville or MSU ever be confused with Austin/UT or Athens/UGa, but there is no doubt the area has made significant strides. Most media members parrot what they've heard from other sports writers or what they remember from short visits years ago.
