Follow the orange brick road

A $300,000 gift from an anonymous donor is funding the sidewalk renovation of the Circle. We think this Circle renovation is $300,000 down the drain.

Though university officials laud the Circle facelift as a major improvement, we're not buying it. Some students view the sidewalk as a detraction, and not an improvement, in the university's appearance. Is the university better off now than it was $300,000 ago?

With decaying dorms, inadequate parking for students and some of the lowest salaries in the region, this university has problems that should be addressed immediately. The Circle should not be a top priority. Improvements in these areas could have a more tangible effect on students. The fact a few more sidewalks were added in the Circle will not really matter in the long run.

Ole Miss is fortunate to receive donations from generous individuals. With budget cutbacks, the university has to depend more and more on private donors for campus improvements. These donors, however, need to look at the big picture. Ole Miss prides itself on being one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. It is important to keep it beautiful. Our donors should realize, however, that outer beauty will mean nothing if our university continues its inner decay.

The next time a donor decides to give a large sum of money to the university, we hope it is money better spent.

Loaded Gunn

In 1999, Ole Miss running back Joe Gunn was a loaded weapon on the ground, piling up 951 yards during the Rebels' 8-4 season.

But 1999's loaded weapon is firing blanks in the year 2000. In three games this season, Gunn has picked up a paltry 79 yards on 30 carries.

So much attention has been focused on Deuce through the off-season,people seemed to forget about the SEC's leading returning rusher. With Deuce questionable for Saturday, attention is back on Joe, and it's time for Gunn to get fired up.

Maybe the lack of attention slowed Joe down. Maybe it's the offensive line. Maybe he's just been unlucky. Whatever the case may be, Joe showed us last year he can play, and Saturday is the perfect opportunity for Joe to bring back the magic of last year.

With a shaky passing attack, an even shakier defense, and a place-kicker with a penchant for hooking extra points, the running game must be the redeemer for the Ole Miss team.

The Rebels can win the West, but without our Top Gunn, we won't be shooting for a SEC West Title. We'll be shooting for 6-5.