I'm worried about my Bulldogs and college football in general – The Vicksburg Post

I think the Mississippi State Bulldogs are going to have a tough year. And now that the quarterback is out for the season, things are looking even worse.

My husband assures me that this is a year of rebuilding, with a new coach and lots of new players. But I'm not sure time will make a difference.

I think this new NIL rule could be an issue, as could the transfer portal.

Of course, I'm no football expert, but I am a parent and waving dollar bills back and forth in front of 18-year-olds doesn't seem like a smart idea.

And it appears former University of Alabama coach Nick Saban has a similar perspective.

While I've never been a Saban fan (sorry, Blake), it seems reasonable that someone who's been a football coach for so long must have some insider perspective on how this rule could change the game.

Earlier this year, Saban traveled to DC to share his thoughts on these issues at a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) roundtable, and according to multiple websites, he said during the meeting: “All the things I think about for all I believed these things.” Years – 50 years of coaching – no longer exist in college athletics. It was always about developing players. It’s always been about helping people be more successful in life.”

But that has all changed, Saban said, even noting that his wife noticed a difference in the players' attitudes.

During the roundtable discussion, Saban told the others that he and his wife had always had new recruits and their families over at their home every year before the season began, but it appeared that after this NIL rule went into effect, there were no more players I no longer just focus on sports.

Saban said his wife came to him and said, “Why are we doing this?” He said his response to her was, “What do you mean?” Miss Terry, as she is known to the Bama faithful, said, ” They only care about how much you're going to pay them.” They don't care how to develop them, which is what we've always done. Why are we doing this?”

Saban said his wife's comment was a warning sign to him and that this change could potentially be harmful to young people's development in the long run.

I agree.

According to a National Library of Medicine journal article, the prefrontal cortex does not fully develop until age 25.

So, as Saban said, helping these young people develop is part of the process of helping them become not only good athletes but also healthy adults, which I think is invaluable.

And for those who scoff at how schools are ripping off these kids, let's not forget that colleges and universities offer scholarships – mostly full rides. And we all know how expensive college tuition has become, not to mention room and board.

I'm ready to endure a less exciting football season with the Dawgs. I just hope these new rules don't bury them under the ground.

Terri Cowart Frazier writes features for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at [email protected].

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and editor of Vicksburg Living Magazine, which was awarded first place by the Mississippi Press Association. She also received first place in the editorial division of MPA's Better Newspaper Contest for “Best Reportage.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University, where she received a bachelor's degree in communications with a concentration in public relations.

Before joining The Post a little more than a decade ago, she freelanced at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time, stay-at-home mom.

Terri is a member of Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a life member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and a former member of the Sampler Antique Club and the Town and Country Garden Club. She is with Dr. Walter Frazier married.

“From providing information about local government affairs to hearing people’s stories, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post during my tenure and hope that with their and local support, I can continue to grow and hone my skills as I help spread the stories in Vicksburg . When I'm asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always “the people.”

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