The beginning of a new fall semester arrives with the kick-off of football season. There is a special atmosphere at Mississippi State University during football season, leaving students and fans all feeling like a big family.

The excitement begins on Fridays before a home football game. Everyone is dressed in maroon for Maroon Friday and focused on the upcoming game instead of classwork. Finally, at 5 p.m., MSU’s fight song is played while fans and students can set up tents at The Junction, located in front of Dorman Hall, for tailgating the next day. 

Finally, Saturday arrives, and the excitement increases. Students and fans head to The Junction to tailgate dressed in maroon and white before kickoff. Fans line the Dog Walk to ring their cowbells to cheer on the players and coaches, and then, the game finally begins.

Kelsey Jones, fashion design and merchandising major, said her favorite part of game day is dressing up to show her school spirit.

“I love wearing maroon and white. You always have to have your cheek cheer (facial stickers) too,” Jones said. “I love ringing my cowbell and yelling for our Bulldogs.”

The deafening sound of cowbells ringing can be heard every time a play is made, adding to the excitement.

Like most other colleges in the South Eastern Conference, football is huge at MSU. MSU’s school traditions, such as ringing a cowbell and singing “Don’t Stop Believing” at the start of the third quarter, make football season even more special.

Brittany Henderson, human sciences major from Jackson, Mississippi, said football season is the highlight of Starkville.

“From the cowbells ringing to weekend long tailgating, football brings everyone all together,” Henderson said.

After last year’s success, there is huge hype for the upcoming football season. In the 2014 season, MSU was number one for the first time in school history. The Bulldogs ended the season with a 10-3 record after playing in the Peach Bowl. MSU also hosted ESPN College GameDay against Auburn University.

Elizabeth Bueche, architecture major from Maryville, Tennessee, said her favorite memory from the 2014 season was the MSU vs. Auburn game.

“The student section was one big family filled with the most amazing energy, and the best part was no one expected the outcome,” Bueche said.

MSU defeated Auburn 38-23.

The family feeling among fans during football games does not only exist on ESPN College GameDay. The family atmosphere is there regardless of whom the football team is playing.

Claire Felder, human sciences major from Ridgeland, Mississippi, said her favorite part of MSU football games is the feeling of being surrounded by family.

“Football season is when my family gets together. It’s like Thanksgiving with all the food and laughs,” Felder said. “Football season is more than watching the game. It’s making memories for a lifetime.”

Win or lose, we are not just fans at MSU, we are family, and the atmosphere on game day definitely reflects that.