The town argument

[diehard4dawgs]

It seems to be a common theme for the Rebs to try and bash on Starkville to make themselves feel better (yes, I read other team's message boards). I tried to make this argument to a reb friend of mine and got the typical "There is no way someone could like Starkville bettter than Oxford" response. Anyway, this was my argument.
People are drawn to a town because they have a connection with it. The rebs love Oxford, just like we love Starkville, and the same can be said for every college town in the nation. I no longer live in Starkville, but I get back every time I can and usually bring folks down who have never been before. Over the past few years I have brought guests that were Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Tennessee, Georgia and Nebraska alums. The LSU, Abururn, and Tennessee folks said that they would put Starkville in the top 3 or 4 SEC towns that they had been to and preferred it to Oxford. The Bama and Georgia folks said that they preferred Oxford, but that Starkville was way better than they were expecting. The Nebraskans that visited (for Bama game 2007) said that it was better than any Big 12 game day experience that they had been to.
My point is that just because you love Oxford and hate Starkville, does not mean that everyone out there feels the same way. I have had a lot of good times in Oxford, but honestly don't understand what sets it apart from Starkville in your minds? I like the town, the square, and your kick *** Chevron station, but again I don't see what sets you apart from everyone else? I have been to every SEC town, and found all of them but Columbia to have a certain charm about them.
The last part of my argument was in response to "there is no way someone could like Starkville better than Oxford." If that is true, then why does Oxford lag so far behind Starkville in enrollment and population? That question was answered with "because there are a bunch of rednecks in Mississippi"

 

[diehard4dawgs]

It seems to be a common theme for the Rebs to try and bash on Starkville to make themselves feel better (yes, I read other team's message boards). I tried to make this argument to a reb friend of mine and got the typical "There is no way someone could like Starkville bettter than Oxford" response. Anyway, this was my argument.
People are drawn to a town because they have a connection with it. The rebs love Oxford, just like we love Starkville, and the same can be said for every college town in the nation. I no longer live in Starkville, but I get back every time I can and usually bring folks down who have never been before. Over the past few years I have brought guests that were Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Tennessee, Georgia and Nebraska alums. The LSU, Abururn, and Tennessee folks said that they would put Starkville in the top 3 or 4 SEC towns that they had been to and preferred it to Oxford. The Bama and Georgia folks said that they preferred Oxford, but that Starkville was way better than they were expecting. The Nebraskans that visited (for Bama game 2007) said that it was better than any Big 12 game day experience that they had been to.
My point is that just because you love Oxford and hate Starkville, does not mean that everyone out there feels the same way. I have had a lot of good times in Oxford, but honestly don't understand what sets it apart from Starkville in your minds? I like the town, the square, and your kick *** Chevron station, but again I don't see what sets you apart from everyone else? I have been to every SEC town, and found all of them but Columbia to have a certain charm about them.
The last part of my argument was in response to "there is no way someone could like Starkville better than Oxford." If that is true, then why does Oxford lag so far behind Starkville in enrollment and population? That question was answered with "because there are a bunch of rednecks in Mississippi"

 

[diehard4dawgs]

It seems to be a common theme for the Rebs to try and bash on Starkville to make themselves feel better (yes, I read other team's message boards). I tried to make this argument to a reb friend of mine and got the typical "There is no way someone could like Starkville bettter than Oxford" response. Anyway, this was my argument.
People are drawn to a town because they have a connection with it. The rebs love Oxford, just like we love Starkville, and the same can be said for every college town in the nation. I no longer live in Starkville, but I get back every time I can and usually bring folks down who have never been before. Over the past few years I have brought guests that were Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Tennessee, Georgia and Nebraska alums. The LSU, Abururn, and Tennessee folks said that they would put Starkville in the top 3 or 4 SEC towns that they had been to and preferred it to Oxford. The Bama and Georgia folks said that they preferred Oxford, but that Starkville was way better than they were expecting. The Nebraskans that visited (for Bama game 2007) said that it was better than any Big 12 game day experience that they had been to.
My point is that just because you love Oxford and hate Starkville, does not mean that everyone out there feels the same way. I have had a lot of good times in Oxford, but honestly don't understand what sets it apart from Starkville in your minds? I like the town, the square, and your kick *** Chevron station, but again I don't see what sets you apart from everyone else? I have been to every SEC town, and found all of them but Columbia to have a certain charm about them.
The last part of my argument was in response to "there is no way someone could like Starkville better than Oxford." If that is true, then why does Oxford lag so far behind Starkville in enrollment and population? That question was answered with "because there are a bunch of rednecks in Mississippi"

 

[dawgstudent]

You didn't like Columbia? I thought it was great. Their Five Points area was awesome.

 

[diehard4dawgs]

It was not that I just really did not like it, it was more of the game day experience. I just thought it was odd that the stadium is nowhere near the campus. Probably did not help that the game was at 11:30 and we got our asses whipped.
But that is the point of my original post, people do not always enjoy the same places.

 

[Jerk Store]

just sayin

 

[dawgstudent]

I really liked the city of Columbia though.

Having your "on-campus" stadium at the state fairgrounds is a horrible idea.

 

[dogfan96]

there's nothing special about it.. the same could probably said about Starkville though

 

[El Diablo Blanco]

[No message]

 

[tommyboy1520]

The Square is the only thing that is different between the two. Oxford has one; Starkville does not. They are both like every other town in MS comparable to their size. Like you said, the only reason Oxford is better to some people is because they went to school there. Same reason you and I prefer Starkville.

 

[freddawg]

I challenge you to come to our campus and find a cow...I didn't see one on campus the whole time I was there. Seriously Rebs, that stuff is old and overplayed. The one thing you won't find on our campus is the Klan. Between the two, I'd take the cows. UM ignorance.

 

[Sutterkane]

I guess the global warming experts are pissed at them for their farts containing too much CO2. Considering that group consists of a bunch of lawyers, that's not surprising coming from an Ole Miss fan.

Farmers (rednecks) love cows because they provide income
City people love cows because they provide good food/drink in burgers and steaks and milk. not to mention butter, ice cream, etc.
Vegetarians love cows so much that they want to save them from the slaughterhouse

Hell even halfway around the world Indians worship cows

Cows are like the least annoying animal in the whole world. What'd they ever do to you and your ilk? Well, I guess the people who take care of cows whipped your *** a few weeks ago.

 

[graddawg]

Um, I object to the "cow college" moniker as much as the next guy, but if you attended Mississippi State and didn't see a single cow you either didn't get out much or weren't looking. Hell, there were articles during fall camp this year where Mullen and players talked about practicing next to the cows.

 

[El Diablo Blanco]

parking or drinking beer out on South Farm.

Good times.

 

[awalkerdog]

plentyofcowku

 

[DerHntr]

south FARM sound familiar?

hell i had a cow get loose from a pasture near my house at the highlands and end up in my front yard as I was cooking steak on the grill. the irony was classic.

 

[graddawg]

hell i had a cow get loose from a pasture near my house at the highlands and end up in my front yard as I was cooking steak on the grill. the irony was classic.

Was it this guy?

 

[seshomoru]

/no power locks-ku

 

[ckDOG]

That's a valid reason. If big city life is your thing, stay away. But I could say the same thing about Oxford or any other small to mid-size town in MS. Stay out of MS if you want thriving metropolis.

But, other than that, there's no reason to dig at Starkville. It's a great town. The people that like to hate on Starkville either have never been, haven't been since the 70s, or are Ole Miss fans. Like someone said, it's the same thing as Oxford minus a square. Both campuses are beautiful and both towns offer similar amenities.

Plus, it doesn't help the town is called STARK-ville. For the very superficial folks of the world, it doesn't have a quaint little name like "Oxford", "Athens", etc. Starkville just has a bad ring to it. They write it off simply on the name and glance at the town. 17 them, I don't want them there anyhow. Maybe that's why I like Starkville???

 

[freddawg]

I spent a lot of time out and around campus, and I could definitely have found some cows, but it wasn't like they were being driven through the middle of campus as the UM folks seem to imply. I am proud that we have an agriculture school, but throwing the "cow college" crap out there to sway perception of our entire campus and school is just nowhere near reality. I didn't spend too much time on the South Farm. McCool and the Cotton District/Toby Nash's, etc. </p>

 

[Bdog9090]

just sayin

 

[gptdawg]

This post reminds me of some of the "rules" in the MSU-OM rivalry.

An MSU fan/graduate who farms is a redneck.
An OM fan/graduate who farms is a planter.

 

[olemissbydamn]

I've lived in both Starkville and Oxford.

Starkville isn't as bad as the average OM homer tries to make it seem, but I do prefer Oxford. There are so many more options for entertainment and eating in Oxford as opposed to Starkville. I realize that some of you are going to disagree, but it is what it is. I think both are nice, small, southern towns.

When I was in Starkville 95-99, the town (local bluehairs) was very unfriendly to students. Things seem to be changing and Starkville seems to be more progressive now. It's grown a ton since then and seems to be much more student friendly than it was in the mid to late 90s.

I certainly understand why current and former MSU students would prefer Starkville over Oxford and visa versa.

I think you'd get a better answer to your question by going to other SEC message boards and asking the simple question "if you had to visit one of the two, would you rather visit Oxford or Starkville". Asking this question here or on a OM board is not the answer.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

...culminating with the arrival of a cow at Scott Field before the Ole Miss game. Nothing wrong with a tip of the hat to the legend that led to the ringing of cowbells.

 

[Sutterkane]

I am stating that Ole Miss fans think farmers are rednecks.

 

[ckDOG]

To me, dining is Starkville's biggest negative. As a college student it didn't matter much. Dining preference was largely driven by drink specials. But, if I were an adult living permanently in Starkville, the lack of options would be a drag. There are some decent places in town, just not many (although, it is getting better as it grows and becomes more business-friendly).

 

[jb1020]

more cows = more shrooms

 

[freddawg]

That should be an ongoing tradition. Take the cowbells right off the cows at the stadium gates. If we're going to wear the cow college moniker, we might as well do it right. The Mississippi fanbase wants to talk about hearing loss...that'll be the least of their problems.

 

[mjh94]

well don't eat our cows and don't wear our cotton either. become a vegan and renew your membership with the kkk, hence the polyester robes.. just sayin

Well rednecks love cows... just sayin

 

[GBryne4Heisman]

The Bin
Shaharazade's
Restaurant Tyler
The Grille
Umi's
Cappe's
Sushi on Main
Sushi Martini
Jeans Cafe
Mugshots
Harvey's
Barristers
Little Dooey
City Bagel
Bulldog Deli
Obey's (I know Oxford has one too)
Doe's
Starkville Cafe
Petty's
Rosey's Babys (sucks)

Those are just Starkville specific places as well. Thats not including AppleBee's, Mexican Places, Chinese Buffets, Ruby Tuesday''s, Chili's, the 10 delis, places on campus, or the places around Wal-Mart that I never go to..

 

[Fletch Fletcher]

The Bin
Shaharazade's
Restaurant Tyler
The Grille
Umi's
Cappe's
Sushi on Main
Sushi Martini
Jeans Cafe
Mugshots
Harvey's
Barristers
Little Dooey
City Bagel
Bulldog Deli
Obey's (I know Oxford has one too)
Doe's
Starkville Cafe
Petty's
Rosey's Babys (sucks)

Those are just Starkville specific places as well. Thats not including AppleBee's, Mexican Places, Chinese Buffets, Ruby Tuesday''s, Chili's, the 10 delis, places on campus, or the places around Wal-Mart that I never go to..

Dave's Dark Horse has excellent food!

 

[GBryne4Heisman]

it was the people that suck..

 

[GBryne4Heisman]

The Bin
Shaharazade's
Restaurant Tyler
The Grille
Umi's
Cappe's
Sushi on Main
Sushi Martini
Jeans Cafe
Mugshots
Harvey's
Barristers
Little Dooey
City Bagel
Bulldog Deli
Obey's (I know Oxford has one too)
Doe's
Starkville Cafe
Petty's
Rosey's Babys (sucks)

Those are just Starkville specific places as well. Thats not including AppleBee's, Mexican Places, Chinese Buffets, Ruby Tuesday''s, Chili's, the 10 delis, places on campus, or the places around Wal-Mart that I never go to..

Dave's Dark Horse has excellent food!

haha How could I forget Dave's?

Best wings I've ever had are at Dave's Dark Horse Tavern...

 

[ckDOG]

The Bin
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Shaharazade's</span>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Restaurant Tyler</span>
The Grille
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Umi's</span>
Cappe's
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sushi on Main</span>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sushi Martini</span>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeans Cafe</span>
Mugshots
Harvey's
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Barristers</span>
Little Dooey
City Bagel
Bulldog Deli
Obey's (I know Oxford has one too)
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Doe's</span>
Starkville Cafe
Petty's
Rosey's Babys (sucks)

Those are just Starkville specific places as well. Thats not including AppleBee's, Mexican Places, Chinese Buffets, Ruby Tuesday''s, Chili's, the 10 delis, places on campus, or the places around Wal-Mart that I never go to..

A good portion of that list are new (I think). I don't recall the restaurants I bolded being there when I graduated just a few short years ago in '04. Hopefully, they will become mainstays. Or, at least something else will occupy their space when local tastes change.

 

[diamond333]

and Petty's has the best bbq I've ever had (minus the shed)

 

[J-Dawg]

just sayin

 

[rem101]

The Bin
Shaharazade's
Restaurant Tyler
The Grille
Umi's
Cappe's
Sushi on Main
Sushi Martini
Jeans Cafe
Mugshots
Harvey's
Barristers
Little Dooey
City Bagel
Bulldog Deli
Obey's (I know Oxford has one too)
Doe's
Starkville Cafe
Petty's
Rosey's Babys (sucks)

Those are just Starkville specific places as well. Thats not including AppleBee's, Mexican Places, Chinese Buffets, Ruby Tuesday''s, Chili's, the 10 delis, places on campus, or the places around Wal-Mart that I never go to..

Excellent food and best blue plate in town. Also Rock bottom has good burgers.

 

[birminghamfan]

I am going to strictly compare the TOWNS and not the CAMPUSES as there is obvious bias for each school for their own campus. Many of you are correct. The main thing Oxford has that Starkville does not is The Square.

But the part that you don't mention is what all The Square really entails........................

You have several good restaurants (City Grocery, Waltz on the Square, 208, Downtown Grill, Ajax, Boure, Lenora's, Two Stick) that are unique to Oxford. You have several others but these are the top ones that come to mind.

One thing that Starkville does not have is John Currence. He is a big time chef and is responsible for City Grocery, Boure, Snack Bar, Big Bad Breakfast and he started Ajax although it has been sold.

Square Books is amazing and you can always buy signed first editions from a ton of authors. This is one place that most visiting fans comment on.

You also have a good bit of high end shopping, but I am not expert on that so I will just leave it at that.

You have a concentrated area where all of the college kids hang out at bars like The Lyric, The Library, etc. The concentrated area is the key and it helps Oxform maintain its "party" atmosphere year round.

I am not saying that Starkville is a bad town. It is far superior to most towns in Mississippi. I just don't think that it is as cultured or as unique as Oxford. It is consistently ranked on list after list of top college towns. Most Ole Miss fans turn their nose up at Starkville, but I think that is just their general attitude. I also like Hattiesburg and almost ALL Ole Miss and State fans turn their nose up at them !!!

If I were to rank the top college towns in the SEC, both would make my top 6 and I have a clear bottom 4 (Fayetteville, Columbia, Baton Rouge,
Tuscaloosa (<== hell hole)).

Athens is a much larger town that either but it ranks really high because the dining there is exquisite and the music scene is vastly superior to Oxford or Starkville.
Auburn is a very nice town as well and I would rank it in my top 5.
Gainesville would be my top choice if I were a nature lover, but I am really not so I will keep it in the top 5.

That leaves Lexington and Knoxville.

So my top five would probably be:
1.) Athens
2.) Oxford
3.) Auburn
4.) Gainesville
5.) Starkville

 

[jackobee]

I get tired to the same old comments about cow college and Ag. school. MSU has right at 18,000 total enrollment of which a little better than 1,500 are enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. By contrast over 2,800 are enrolled in Engineering and 4,000 in Arts and Sciences. Not sure how that computes to either a cow college or an Ag. School. It is a State university.

 

[Curly Bill]

If so, why is Ole Miss the school of choice for so many of their home-state rejects?