Trash talk signs pop up ahead of LSU-Ole Miss game

OXFORD, Miss. (WTVA) – Game-day rivalry is flourishing ahead of the weekend in Oxford.

Local businesses in Oxford are using themed trash talk signs to draw attention ahead of the LSU-Ole Miss game this weekend.

Tailgates are setting up, and ESPN College GameDay is preparing to broadcast from the Grove. Organizers expect close to half a million people to come to Oxford for the game.

Signs featuring trash talk have appeared around Oxford. Some read simple messages such as “Go Rebs” or “Hotty Toddy.” Others reference former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin and recent LSU scandals.

Businesses see signs as competition for attention

Business owners said they try to be creative for every game, but the stakes and crowd size this weekend have turned it into a competition.

Businesses said a more creative sign draws more eyes, more cameras and more customers.

Ian Helm of Donut Distillery said the shop’s sign was a group effort tied to the weekend.

“Just given the history of this weekend and meaning for us as a community, we just came up with this as a group,” Helm said. “Figured it would be fitting for this weekend especially. Given the history of the NFL and players trying to come back, figured it would draw more people in here.”

Donut Distillery’s sign read “Can’t spell lawsuit without LSU” on one side.

The other side referenced Lane Kiffin and LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt’s injury announcement.

Rosati’s Pizza and Oxford Creamery also displayed signs. Additional signs could not be shown due to explicit content.

More signs expected ahead of GameDay

ESPN’s College GameDay will broadcast live from the Grove on Saturday.

Students and visitors are expected to create additional signs about the game.

Lafayette County is currently under a heat advisory, and another advisory has been issued for Saturday.

A heat advisory is in place for all of Lafayette County on Saturday as temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s, and possibly triple digits, during the Magnolia Bowl.

The heat index could feel like more than 105 degrees.

Fans expected early for gameday events

Many fans are expected to arrive early Saturday morning for College GameDay before heading to the Grove to tailgate and then into the game.

Some natural shade from trees in the Grove is gone due to damage from January’s ice storm.

Tents will be set up in the Grove, though they will not provide the same relief as the shade previously offered by the trees.

Fans are encouraged to stay cool and take frequent breaks indoors or in the shade on Saturday.

Student advice: hydrate the night before

Ole Miss student Rowdy Staten, who plans to attend all three events Saturday, shared his approach to preparing for the heat.

“I guess drink a lot of water the night before to be honest,” Staten said. “Get all of those electrolytes in the night before. Just try to get into the shade, try not to be in the sun all day, kind of pace yourself being out as much.”

Some seating areas will be hotter

The sun will set just before 7 p.m. Saturday, but it will be shining directly on the student section and the visitors sideline for much of the game. Fans sitting in those areas could experience temperatures 10 to 20 degrees hotter than elsewhere in the stadium.

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium allows fans to bring in one sealed 20-ounce water bottle.

Fans are advised to hydrate well before the game. Those drinking alcohol are advised to drink water between alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can increase dehydration.