Tensions are high in Oxford, Mississippi, as former Ole Miss Rebels coach Lane Kiffin returns to town with his new team, the LSU Tigers, on Saturday. In an apparent attempt to stop problems before they start, the Ole Miss Athletics Department sent an email to students warning of regulations for Saturday, according to sportswriter Tyler Komis. "No person wearing an opposing team's gear or colors will be allowed entrance into the student section," Ole Miss officials reportedly said.
"Additionally, anyone found to be wearing opposing team apparel or colors in the student section will be removed.” Sounds like red and blue — both powder and navy — will be considered appropriate attire, but anyone showing up wearing purple and gold will have some problems. It might sound a bit heavy-handed for American sports fans, but there's likely some solid reasoning behind this decision. College football student sections, especially those in the SEC, are rowdy scenes.
The consumption of adult beverages can make attendees more impulsive than they'd normally be, and introducing an antagonist in an already agitated crowd is a recipe for disaster. And that's not even getting into the animus between these two schools in particular. Kiffin's departure for perennial powerhouse LSU came as the Rebels were preparing to compete in the College Football Playoff last season, a rare chance at glory for a team whose fans historically have enjoyed the pregame parties more than the game itself.
Further adding to the pain, Kiffin tried to poach players and coaches to come with him to LSU. The spurned Rebels are competitive again this season and hoping to show that last year's success was no fluke with a win over Kiffin's talented Tigers, who are considered a likely contender for the national championship this season. With emotions high and so much on the line, perhaps it's for the best for LSU and Ole Miss fans to largely be separated on Saturday, at least in the student section.
It's a strategy that European soccer teams use as well. Still, it's unfortunate for Ole Miss students who may be hosting Tiger friends for the weekend. If they can't enjoy the game together, at least they'll be able to socialize before and after — at least, if feelings aren't too hurt.
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