STARKVILLE, Miss. — The president of Mississippi State, Mark E. Keenum, canceled Thursday’s classes months ago in anticipation of a night game against No. 3 Louisiana State. Early Wednesday morning, fans began lining a grassy area known as the Junction, waiting for a chapel bell to ring at 5 p.m. so they could officially begin tailgating more than 24 hours before kickoff. Before the game, and not far from the all-day revelry, construction workers will break ground on a $25 million football training facility.

The buzz around town is indicative of the transformation of the psyche and culture of fans at Mississippi State, which has been perhaps the most important part of the rebuilding job under the third-year coach Dan Mullen.

In a state long accustomed to being a punch line or a punching bag, Mullen has brought an energy and attitude that have helped alter the perception of the program and the university.

“I think Dan, without question, has brought the greatest sense of hope and belief that Mississippi State can compete in football in the SEC on a sustained basis,” said Roy H. Ruby, who worked at the university for 40 years and who, as interim president, hired Mullen.