We suffered thru a couple of dropped calls, somewhere in his travels thru Louisiana. However, we reconnected and the conversation continued. We talked about the final three games and especially the last one against our rival MSU. I asked Sean, Sr about his thoughts on the OM/MSU rivalry. Sean answered saying,
"“I understand the importance of the rivalry, of course. But the important thing Ole Miss fans need to remember is that the road to a championship doesn’t go through Starkville. It goes through Tuscaloosa and that’s where our focus should be.” ~Sean Patterson Sr"
Sean explained, “See, I grew up as a Michigan fan. We always knew all the games were important, and especially the Michigan State game. But we also knew that any chance of a championship meant beating Ohio State.” He added, “I’m not demeaning the importance of the Miss State game, or their program, by the way. However, both schools should have the mindset that Alabama is the more important game for either of them.”
So, the conversation continued as we spoke more about the season and the opening day of spring practice. Being the father of the Ole Miss quarterback, Sean has an insight to Ole Miss football many of us will never have. With everything that’s happened regarding the investigation, rumors were swirling throughout. Since this had already been addressed by Shea and Sean Sr on social media. I had no questions about the subject at all. However, I did ask the senior Patterson about the attitude of the team, from his perspective. Sean, Sr responded with an assertive voice,
"“This team is close and they are focused on two things, playing football and being the best they can be. That’s really all these kids want anyway.” ~Sean Patterson Sr"
Of course, I had joked with Sean about the questions getting harder, so I asked about his prediction on the upcoming season. “12-0,” exclaimed Sean, without hesitation. “Not trying to sound cocky just because my kid plays quarterback at OM, but I’ve been around the core of this team. As a former player and coach, I can see this team will be great, and I really believe they can go undefeated this coming season. I really believe they have the team and coaching staff to do it.” “Of course,” Sean continued, “having Vandy, LSU, Arkansas, and TAMU coming to Oxford surely helps.”