Ole Miss Football: Grove Grinder, Patterson Waiver Draws Mixed Emotions
It’s been hard for Ole Miss football to escape the media frenzy which has enveloped the program surrounding the transfer of Shea Patterson.
Naturally we all expected what happened recently with the approved waiver from the NCAA regarding Shea Patterson. While many Rebels faithful secretly hoped there would be an eligibility issue regarding his immediate playing time, most of us knew the NCAA would find favor in Patterson and Michigan. Of course, that is exactly what happened and Shea Patterson will be able to dress as a Wolverine this season. More likely than not he will be the starting quarterback for Jim Harbaugh.
Of course, there are already Michigan football pundits talking ‘championships’ and ‘Heisman trophy’ banter when it comes to Shea. The reality of it all is Shea is a long ways from being the shining star for Michigan football. The BIG10, while no SEC, is a very tough conference and Michigan may be a couple of years from becoming what Wolverine fans are hoping for. Yet, they do have a quality quarterback moving forward. Before you disagree with me or start sending me messages, please consider where you were just one year ago. Most of you applauded Shea Patterson and his worth as a Rebel. I know I did.
First Things First
Ole Miss Rebels Football
This past week OHT contributors Jim Shute and Philip Westmoreland both had great articles concerning Patterson and the NCAA waiver. We always want to give credit where it is due and both were very good pieces. Naturally, while we are all affiliated with the same site there are cases where we may have different opinions. I can honestly say we saw a lot of agreements on the Shea Patterson issue and we also saw the points being made regardless of our own personal opinions of the matter.
Both Shute and Westmoreland both realized the contradictions in the transfer/waiver and drew the ire of many Michigan Wolverines and even a few Rebels. Yes, there are a few of you Red and Blue fanatics who believe it would be better if the whole situation was better left alone. Sorry but that just isn’t the way media works in this day and age. As long as Ole Miss comes up in the media we have a right and obligation to present the facts and our opinions.
Once A Rebel
There is no telling how many times I’ve said, “once a Rebel always a Rebel!”. It’s true and even the most die-hard Ole Miss fans, and especially those, can appreciate it. How many times in recent weeks have you dropped the “We Are Ole Miss” mantra? Fair question, just saying.
As for me, I’m happy for Shea Patterson and will be hoping for his success in Ann Arbor. While I may not agree with the way the entire thing went down, given what he was up against in Oxford he did the best thing for Shea. When all is said and done what happened really did happen and maybe Shea will be better for it. That was at least the plan.
And yes, everybody who knows me also knows Sean Sr and I are friends. While he and I may not see eye to eye on everything, one common denominator stands out. We both love our sons and want the very best for them. We should all be able to at least appreciate that for exactly what it is. Hotty Toddy!