It is one of the most important times of the year for the South as rivalries are rekindled and bragging rights are contested and eventually won. College football season is in full swing with an almost religious fervor, and MSMS is not exempt.

College football in the South can be very different than other parts of the nation. All identity is stripped other than the allegiance to your team and the camaraderie  and rivalry of college football can be overwhelming for millions of fans.

MSMS students, who come from all over the state, take part in sharing these different loyalties to their teams. Bulldogs, Rebels, Bama fans, and maybe even a couple of LSU Tigers all occupy the same living and school spaces. Being raised in the South, many people were raised from a young age to love college football.

“Growing up in Oxford, I was raised to live and breathe Ole Miss. My family goes to almost every game, no matter what kind of season we’re having,” said Greta Koshenina. Growing up in Water Valley, she was submerged under the influence of Ole Miss football.

Many people share the same story. Nathan Methvin, a Starkville native, has lived and breathed Mississippi State since a young age. Attending games and keeping up with rankings and stats are almost second nature.

“It’s a really great way to end a hard week at school. But I think this past weekend really exemplified how crazy college sports can be. Four out of the top 10 teams lost and the top 25 rankings look nothing like they did last week. Also, Hail State,” said Methvin.

Like Methvin and Koshenina, many of their peers go to college games almost every weekend. Tailgates at universities and college football parties are ubiquitous throughout the state.

As the season progresses, the games can be a good way to spend a weekend and to get some relief after a busy week. After, dealing with the complex life of an MSMS student college football has the allure of life being simplified between two opposing sides.