Overview
- Arizona State simulated Starkville’s environment with staff ringing cowbells, piped-in crowd noise and two-huddle tempo periods to prepare for Mississippi State’s fast pace.
- Quarterback Sam Leavitt endorsed the noise work and noted cadence issues only when a bell was rung right next to the center during practice.
- Kenny Dillingham said ASU will stay about 75–80 minutes from the stadium to avoid casino hotels and raised food concerns from past trips, drawing online pushback including from ASU alum Jonathan Perry.
- Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby emailed supporters to “Bring The Madness” for Saturday’s home opener, framing fan noise as a key edge.
- The trip is ASU’s first SEC road game since 2012, and Dillingham highlighted MSU’s extensive roster turnover through transfers and JUCO additions as both teams finalize plans for Sept. 6.