re: Why is Auburn

Both MSU and OM were neck and neck up until 2020. Ole Miss has the momentum right now, but it always changes.

Alabama, Auburn have had advantages of being in a state that grew faster than Mississippi going way way back. After WWII, and our little run at success, MSU quit caring about football whatsoever. This was evident since the next 3 decades were absolutely lifeless. For some reason OM wised up about football, cared more, and had much more success in that period. State folks settled and didn't understand why football was so important. They caught on....but it would be awhile before they did.

Both MS programs have had similar results in the past 3 decades and have rarely been worth a damn at the same time.

Bama on the other hand, made an important coaching hire and developed into a national power. Meanwhile, Auburn had to compete with a long trend of sustained Bama success and by doing so, became an national brand themselves. Energy from one fed the other, and of course jealousy and hatred grew deep.