In Jackson, the UM homerism has reached a fever pitch. It will be completely unbearable for me at work if they win big this year.
Most conversations go like this:
OMhomer1: "My god, we are going to be unbelievably good this year. Definitely SEC West champs. We will drill Florida in Atlanta - we have their number, you know... I guess we'll play USC or Texas in the NC game."
Me: "Wow, sounds incredible. Atlanta, huh? You're right -- Ole Miss should be great this year. I heard it right there on Fox news. Plus, you have the easiest schedule in the history of the NCAA. It would take a complete meltdown-gak-choke job to lose even one game. You should go undefeated. If you don't, it will be the biggest letdown ever, huh?"
OMhomer1: "uh... yeah... I never thought about that. I would put a gun to my head."
OMhomer2: "No way. That won't happen. Yancy said Pat Patterson is bar-none the BEST player he's ever seen put on the vaunted red and blue. And Shep said Jevan will win the Heisman this year. Book it."
OMhomer1: "Yeah, you're right. We are (clap clap) Ole Miss. Hotty Toddy!!! Where are my penny loafers? I'm so ready to get to the Grooove. The atmosphere is just going to be unbelievable."
Me: "Huh. I can't wait to see what happens. Should be interesting."
And then I go to the kitchen to rinse the bile out of my mouth.