STARKVILLE — Thanks to their team accepting an invitation to the Capital One Orange Bowl, Mississippi State fans will have the opportunity to ring in the new year in Miami — literally.
On Tuesday, the Orange Bowl announced it would allow MSU fans to bring one of their most beloved traditions to South Florida, as cowbells will be allowed inside Sun Life Stadium for the Dec. 31 matchup between No. 7 MSU and No. 12 Georgia Tech.
“College football is all about tradition and passion,” said Orange Bowl spokesman Larry Wahl late Tuesday afternoon. “As an organization, we have very close community ties for over 80 years and we understand and value the traditions of each individual institution. So we wanted to make sure Mississippi State fans had an opportunity to enjoy their tradition at the Orange Bowl.”
With that, MSU fans will be allowed to ring cowbells at appropriate times, as the Orange Bowl has asked the Bulldogs to adhere to the Southeastern Conference’s current policy on artificial noisemakers. That means that ringing of cowbells will be allowed until the offense approaches the line of scrimmage, and must cease once the center stands over the ball. Ringing is then disallowed until the play is whistled dead.
The SEC enacted the current cowbell rules four years ago, and agreed to extend the rules last year.
The decision by the Orange Bowl was well-received in Starkville.
“We appreciate the Capital One Orange Bowl allowing our fans to continue a timeless Mississippi State tradition at this year’s game,” said MSU Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin. “Our fans did a wonderful job this season with cowbell compliance, and I know they’ll exhibit the same as a show of appreciation to the Orange Bowl.”
According to university records, it’s unclear the exact year that cowbells became associated with MSU’s football program, but according to the school’s athletic website, the best records indicate cowbells became prevalent during the late 1930’s and early 1940’s.
The most popular legend is that during a home football game between State and arch-rival Ole Miss, a cow wandered onto the playing field. Mississippi State won the game that Saturday, and MSU students immediately adopted the cow as a good luck charm. Students are said to have continued bringing a cow to football games for a while, until the practice was eventually discontinued in favor of bringing just the cow’s bell.
That time frame of the late 30’s-early ’40’s coincides with MSU’s Orange Bowl history, as the Bulldogs have played in the prestigious bowl game twice, first in 1937 and again in 1941. Now, 73 years later, the bells are back.
“Over the last few years, Mississippi State fans have taken over Jackonsville, Nashville, last year in Memphis,” said Stricklin at the school’s Orange Bowl press conference. “We can’t wait to hear cowbells ringing on South Beach.”
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