Hi! I just graduated from Alabama, but my mom went to Mississippi State and Starkville is not very far from Tuscaloosa so I have been there a few times. My sorority actually helped start a new chapter there last year!
First of all, they will not look down on you just because you are not from the South. It is competitive, but some of the best girls come from other states. As far as recs are concerned, I would definitely recommend having recs for as many chapters as possible. If you need a Pi Phi rec, send me a message and we'll talk.
Good luck and enjoy Rush and your freshman year! I miss it already!