Home Sweet Home
November 02, 2022 | Football, Joel Coleman
Dawgs happy to return to Davis Wade Stadium.
STARKVILLE – After four long weeks, the Bulldogs are back.
Back in Stark Vegas, that is, as on Saturday, Mississippi State plays host to Auburn in MSU's first game inside Davis Wade Stadium since an October 8 win over Arkansas.
It'll be loud, the atmosphere will be electric, and the Dawgs absolutely cannot wait.
"It's awesome," MSU quarterback Will Rogers said of being back in front of the home crowd. "I miss it. We're ready to get back. We're undefeated at home, so we're looking to keep that rolling and keep the fans involved. We're excited."
There truly has been no place like home for MSU in 2022. The numbers back that up.
The Bulldogs are 4-0 this season in Starkville. In those four games, they've outscored their opponents 176-78. Mississippi State is averaging 44 points per game on its home turf, while surrendering fewer than 20 points a contest.
Home sweet home indeed.
"It feels good," State linebacker Nathaniel Watson said of getting back home. "Playing on the road [the last two games], those were two hard stadiums to play in. But being back with the cowbells and our fans, I look forward to it."
In fact, all of Mississippi State's next three games come inside the cowbell-clanging confines of Davis Wade. After Saturday's tilt versus Auburn, MSU hosts Georgia on November 12 and East Tennessee State on November 19.
It gives the Bulldogs an incredible chance to close out 2022 in style as the program chases, not only its 13th-straight bowl berth, but perhaps a premier postseason destination as well.
Who better to push State towards those goals than the Maroon and White family?
"I think there's no question it's good," head coach Mike Leach said. "We love being at home and the biggest thing is we've just got to take advantage of our time and make the most out of it."
The Dawgs are all quick to acknowledge just how much the home support means and how much it affects games. Wide receiver Austin Williams has run out of the tunnel and onto the field at Davis Wade Stadium countless times over the last several years. Maybe no one knows the impact of playing in front of familiar faces like him.
"It's special," Williams said. "I love our fanbase. They always have it rocking with the cowbells and everything. The band and music are playing. It's a special experience. I always try to soak it in every time and not take it for granted."
The Dawgs are ready. The fans, no doubt, will be as well. Let three straight weeks of enjoying home cooking begin.
