Somehow the duffers’ talk shifted from the Ryder Cup to Saturday’s LSU-Ole Miss football game, eventually settling on who’s the best quarterback in each school’s history.

The LSU view was Joe Burrow, with Bert Jones in the running.

Agreement was unanimous on Ole Miss – Archie Manning. No discussion. 

Spoiler that I am, couldn’t resist asking- what about Jake Gibbs?

These were by no means young men though perhaps not quite my age yet. I was, and still am, shocked by the blank looks.

Who? Never heard of him? You sure he was Ole Miss? Was he old school, nothing personal?

So I tried best my memory would allow:

Three years at helm, twice national champions; member College Football Hall of Fame; two-sport All-American (also baseball).

Chose baseball career over pro football; 10 years or so catcher with New York Yankees; then longtime baseball coach at Mississippi.

Still not a hint of recollection among my table mates. Saw little point in mentioning Charlie Conerly on Rebels’ side or Y.A. Tittle on Tigers’.

Everyone smiled at one last reference:

“Gibbs to punt; Cannon to receive.” October 31, 1959.

Contact Jim at sports@journalservicesllc.com

Jim Butler was an acclaimed writer and editor at the Alexandria Town Talk for 36 years, the last 23 (1977-2003) as editor-in-chief. He led Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of Hurricane Katrina for the Gulfport (Miss.) Sun-Herald in 2005. Butler returned home to Cenla a few years ago, and shares his talents and insight with Rapides Parish Journal readers.