You’ll Never Guess What ASU Used at Practice This Week

The viral clip features Sun Devils running drills and huddling amid a wall of cowbell noise, an unmistakable nod to the signature sound that defines Mississippi State games. The gesture serves multiple purposes: acclimating players to distractions, using psychological preparation to their advantage, and hinting at respect for the Bulldogs’ home-field advantage.

Cowbells are not merely props at Davis Wade Stadium; they are the embodiment of Bulldog tradition. The sound traces its roots to a Jersey cow wandering onto the field in a game against Ole Miss in the early 20th century. Over time, students replaced live cattle with the bell as a good-luck ritual. By the 1960s, Mississippi State fans had welded handles onto bells for easier use, and today cowbells remain deeply embedded in the game-day culture. After being banned in 1974, the SEC lifted restrictions in 2010 under the condition that cowbells only be rung during pregame, timeouts, halftime, and after scores. Those rules were relaxed further over time, cementing the cowbell as a uniquely enduring symbol of MSU pride.

This week’s ASU practice moment was part strategy and part spectacle, a tangible acknowledgment that the Sun Devils understand the sensory gauntlet Mississippi State presents. Sun Devils coach Kenny Dillingham has emphasized atmosphere before, urging student engagement and fan energy to deliver on home-field advantage. Now the team is gamifying what awaits: thousands of cowbell rings, unfettered.

The imitation goes beyond just mimicry. It shows ASU’s willingness to embrace unconventional methods to bring its best to hostile environments. Facing a loud, rowdy Bulldog crowd is a real challenge, and practicing noise acclimation is a smart move originally seen in more niche corners of sports psychology.

For Arizona State, this week’s drill could pay dividends when the first cowbell rings from the stands. It illustrates a team that is prepared, willing to adapt, and deeply respectful of what makes SEC football uniquely challenging.