The cowbell is synonymous with Mississippi State athletics.

Walk into Davis Wade Stadium for a football game on a fall Saturday, and you’ll see almost every fan with a cowbell in hand. They ring them all game long, creating a unique (and loud) atmosphere in college football.

Why do Mississippi State fans ring cowbells? Here’s what to know ahead of the Week 11 game against No. 5 Georgia.

Why do Mississippi State fans ring cowbells?

According to Mississippi State, cowbells began appearing gradually at sporting events in the 1930s and 1940s.

The legend says that a jersey cow once wandered on to the field during a football game in the Egg Bowl between Mississippi State and Ole Miss. MSU won the game, and fans saw the cow as good luck. Students began to bring cows to the games, but that tradition was discontinued and replaced with cowbells.

Why are Mississippi State fans allowed to ring cowbells?

The SEC banned artificial noisemakers in 1974, including cowbells. A compromise was struck in 2010 where Mississippi State could bring the cowbells back for a one-year trial as long as they adhered to certain rules, like not ringing while the ball was in play.

Mississippi State fans have been able to ring cowbells ever since.

When are Mississippi State fans allowed to use cowbells?

MSU fans are allowed to ring the cowbells until the center puts a hand on the football in formation.

The university has made an effort to make sure fans follow the rules with the cowbells. There are signs and messages on the videoboard that either say “ring responsibly” or “rest your bell” to let fans know when they must stop ringing the cowbell.

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What Georgia’s Kirby Smart said about Mississippi State’s cowbells

Georgia last played in Starkville in 2022 and won 45-19. Before that, Georgia hadn’t played at Mississippi State since 2010. MSU won that game 24-12, its only win against Georgia in the past 15 games dating to 1974.