And if college football does happen in Mississippi, it will do so with the support of Gov. Tate Reeves, and both SEC universities in the state: Ole Miss and Mississippi State.
Reeves took to social media today to outline his support, calling college football essential, and backed up his support during today's news conference.
“What do opponents of football think, these kids will end up in a bubble without it?" Reeves said. "You can get COVID anywhere. There are forces who want to cancel everything to avoid risk at all societal costs. It’s foolish. We have to balance risk and costs."
Along with – mostly – Republican governors like Reeves pushing for college football, we have also seen an organic campaign from student athletes. Using the hashtag “WeWantToPlay,” we have seen players, coaches, and institutions make their voice heard over a sports media empire destined to cancel college football.
You can include Ole Miss and State with that group.
There's a lot of uncertainty right now, but we know one thing...#WeWantToPlay pic.twitter.com/558QLFuJkA
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 10, 2020
#WeWantToPlay pic.twitter.com/fwUYLhc0KY
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) August 10, 2020
Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin also joined in the campaign:
Our players want to play! Our staff wants to coach them! I’m so proud of our team #WeWantToPlay @OleMissFB https://t.co/LLufdtZDfi
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) August 10, 2020
As did Mississippi State AD John Cohen:
Love the passion, perseverance and resilience shown by all of our student-athletes, especially during these ever-changing circumstances. We will continue fully supporting our student-athletes, coaches and staff, while keeping their health and safety our highest priority. https://t.co/gftPpP3Mnj
— John Cohen (@JohnCohenAD) August 10, 2020
The message from Mississippi's universities and political leaders? We want to play.