Mississippi State head football coach Mike Leach addressed fans gathered at Davis Wade Stadium Thursday night during the annual Cowbell Yell. He offered insight to the hard work his players put in during the fall camp in preparation of Saturday’s game against Memphis. The Cowbell Yell rings in college football season in Starkville each year. Austin Frayser/Special to The Dispatch

Mississippi State’s student section was open for fans to come support their team Thursday during Cowbell Yell. Austin Frayser/Special to The Dispatch

Mississippi State radio commentator Neil Price, left, and senior linebacker Nathaniel Watson hype up the crowd at Cowbell Yell Thursday night. Austin Frayser/Special to The Dispatch

Thursday’s Cowbell Yell ended with literal fireworks from the south endzone jumbotron. With a packed crowd and amazing atmosphere, it set high expectations for Saturday’s game against Memphis. Austin Frayser/Special to The Dispatch