Mississippi State's game against Arkansas on Saturday will be the Bulldogs' final home game and senior day. But one senior will be missing — linebacker Nick Bell.

Bell died in November of 2010 after a brief battle with cancer. Bell started in the first game of that season, the disease was discovered and six weeks later he had passed away.

To make sure Bell is remembered during what would have been his senior day, the university has painted his name and number in the north end zone.

"That is probably the most significant thing that's happened in my coaching career," MSU coach Dan Mullen said of Bell's death. "It'll be a great opportunity to thank Nick's mom, who's always with us, continues to support everything we've done, and say another good-bye to him on Saturday."

Bell also will be honored pregame with the other seniors, and his mother, Linda will be in attendance.

Since Bell's death, the team has done its best to keep his memory alive. The team has worn black patches on its jerseys and there have been black hashmarks on the 36-yard lines in honor of Bell's number.

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