Is a Flagship University Emerging in Mississippi?

The U.S.S. Bulldog

The Mississippi schools have always had a hard time competing in the SEC. The State of Mississippi has a small population of around 2,967,297, and two major SEC Universities. Other States of similar size like Arkansas, with a population of 2,915,918, have only one major SEC school. Even some states that are considerably larger like Louisiana at 4,533,372 have only one major SEC school or "Flagship" university. Having one SEC school that is the dominate athletic school in the state is a great advantage. LSU is able to dominate the in state recruiting battle as it's only competition comes from the likes of Tulane of Conference USA, Louisiana Tech of the WAC, and Louisiana Monroe of the Sun Belt.  Even in a state as large as Florida with a population of 18,801,310 there is only one SEC school. Sure Florida State and Miami are big football schools as well, but they just can't compete with an SEC T.V. audience. So the Mississippi schools have always been at a disadvantage because they compete for instate money, attendance, fans, coverage, and recruits ...but, all that may be changing.