OXFORD, Miss. – It remains one of the most beautiful campuses in America. From The Grove, a pastoral circle where tailgating has been elevated to an art form and the speed limit is always 18 mph (Archie Manning’s number), to the town square and its iconic shops and eateries, a trip to Oxford is a bucket-list place for every SEC football fan.
When I last visited in August, the vibe surrounding Ole Miss football was one of optimism. Yes, there was the specter of an ongoing NCAA investigation and the horrible memories of the NFL draft on April 28, when first-round pick Laremy Tunsil told the media he had received cash while enrolled at Ole Miss.