It was a beautiful day in the city of East Lansing on Friday, and the energy in the air was palpable. Students and tailgaters lined the sidewalks for the first Michigan State University football game kickoff of the season.

Marketing senior Peyton Mowry, a first-time season ticket holder, was tailgating with family and friends before the game.

“I am excited to just feel the atmosphere of Spartan Stadium,” Mowry said. “Even though I have not been there, I just know it is something special.”

Last year's season may have left some fans down — especially after the explosive 2021 season. But students have high hopes for the team this fall.

Kinesiology sophomore Hannah Marsik was heading to the Munn Ice Arena to attend a tailgate with friends before hopping in line early for the game.

“I am excited to see how the team has progressed and how their practice efforts have paid off in the game,” Marsik said. “Obviously it's hard to tell because we haven't seen how they play yet, but I think based on the little practice snippets that we've had, I think there's a good shot that we will have a good season. ... My goal is to just have fun, go to games, hang out with friends and watch the team play.”

Marsik is not the only optimistic Spartan fan at the start of the season, but after last year, other fans' optimism is a little more cautious than others. 

“I think it might be different than hope, but god I hope it goes well,” Mowry said. “But you know, maybe we will end even (with a 6-6 record).”

With five remaining home games, students are ready to take on more weekends of fun and energy in the Spartan Stadium. 

Both Marsik and Mowry plan to attend the rest of the home games to see the progression of the team. Their trust in the team is there, to say the least.

“My expectations are so high,” Mowry said. “Just to have so much fun, which I already think I am going to, and meet lots of new people.”