Miami University Football Head Coach Don Treadwell has been very vocal about the “All-In” mentality he wants Miami students to take.

Students responded by showing up for the team’s home opener and “white out”, contributing to a crowd of 17,725 fans, a respectable amount on an absolutely gorgeous day.

Treadwell knows that student body support helps.

“It does provide a tremendous spark for your team to come out on the field and know they are appreciated by the fans and the alumni,” Treadwell said. “We’re going to be excited and hope that we will see a full house.”

Focusing on the positives, the fans were loud and were generally very supportive of the team. When Andy Cruse was stopped on the goal line at the end of the half, the fans made it very clear they were not happy with the call.

Considering that the team struggled last year, I think the amount of fan support in the home opener is very encouraging and hopefully a sign of things to come. With that said, there were a few things that fans here at Miami can improve on.

The students were a little slow getting to Yager Stadium, but they came at a better rate than they did at times last year, especially late in the season. It would be nice to see students arrive sooner, but transforming Miami’s culture into one that is athletic-centric, like the university would like, takes time.

Students also left the game before it was over, and a large percentage left midway through the third quarter. At that point, it was only a 10-point game and the RedHawks were by no means assured a victory.

On such a gorgeous day, it was disappointing to see so many fans leave a close game. There is really no reason for that many people to leave games that early. The lukewarm Natty Light will still be there after the game.

There is nothing wrong with being an Ohio State University (OSU) fan or a University of Notre Dame fan. However, when OSU and Miami play each other, the student body should cheer for Miami. If you are paying to attend Miami, then you should root for Miami in every game. In the other 11 games that OSU plays this year, feel free to cheer for them.

On game days, students do not have to wear Miami gear, but there is no reason to wear opposing school’s gear. This columnist shouldn’t see four first-years wearing the same University of Georgia Bulldog shirt. This isn’t Athens, Ga.

Part of the “All-In” mantra is to wear red on Fridays, something that is easy for students to do. There is really no excuse for not wearing red, because every student here should own something red. And no, a Georgia Bulldog shirt does not count.

The next home game for the football team is Sept. 22 on Homecoming. In addition, a new Paul Brown statue will be added to the Cradle of Coaches Plaza at Yager.

As a fellow Miamian and sports fan, I encourage everyone to get up and start supporting Miami athletics.