SPRINGFIELD — Missouri State launched a late-game comeback to defeat Marshall last season. It was the Bears’ first win as a member of the FBS level.
Missouri State coach Casey Woods knows Marshall will be hungry to return the favor on Saturday, Sept. 19 inside Plaster Stadium. Which is why he is calling on fans to help with a home field advantage against the Thundering Herd.
“Let’s make sure when people turn that TV on, they see that Missouri State is a rowdy place to go,” Woods said. “We only have five home games left.”
All offseason, Woods has emphasized how everyone needs to do their part for Missouri State to be successful. Woods has called on students, business
leaders and families to make game days enjoyable and memorable.
Against a fellow Group of Six opponent, the Marshall game will be a litmus test for the program’s new game day environment.
Missouri State changed the pregame Bear Walk before its clash against Lindenwood last week. Instead of the entire team marching through campus, it was just the defense. The offense was dropped on the opposite side of the stadium, so they could march through the student tailgates.
This was a way to involve everyone from the students to the regular fans.
The Lindenwood game featured an attendance of 12,138. Last season, the Bears averaged 11,547 and 9,663 in 2024. The uptick in attendance is impressive, but it’s not good enough for Woods.
“If you came, don’t say that we need to bring more people, you do it. You bring more people,” Woods said. “If you want to spend time with your kids, spend time with your kids at the game. Meet your church group at the game.”
Missouri State wants to break the attendance record against the Thundering Herd. The current record of 18,363 fans comes from the 2014 home opener against North Dakota.
There are 1,914 tickets remaining for the game, according to the Missouri State's ticketing site.
“Our student body knows that they have an impact. They have an opportunity to just bring energy,” Woods said. “They're not just words on a podium in January, it does take us all to win a game.”
Missouri State kicks off against Marshall at 5:30 p.m.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State football seeks record crowd Saturday against Marshall
