Mississippi State has its Fall camp well underway. It’s a long list of all the things they are facing for the first time. Most notably, it’s Jeff Lebby’s first season as State’s head coach. Eight of the 10 key assistant coaches are beginning their first season with the Dawgs. The most significant of those is Coleman Hutzler, his first season as a defensive coordinator and first time at MSU. The Bulldogs have been known for their defense over the last few seasons. Now, for the first time, in a long time, they are concentrating on offense. State is trying a drastically new offense for the first time, and thus a large number of transfers and recruits are Bulldogs for the first time. That’s a lot to consider as this fall practice begins at State, it will be a season of firsts.
A Long and Winding Road
It is common knowledge that the beginning of fall practice is just the first step in a very long journey toward, hopefully, a winning season. For Mississippi State fans, that journey has been quite painful over the last couple of seasons. The 2023 season in particular, marked the first year that State failed to win a bowl bid in 13 straight seasons. Lebby hopes to change that direction to a more upward trajectory and has stated he is juiced by the first day of fall practice. “There was great excitement around being able to finally get started and get going and get back on the grass, without a doubt,” Lebby told the media after the camp opened late last week. “I think for me, day one has always been very similar from an excitement standpoint.
“We’re starting this journey together. We’re going to chase it together. Now I’ve got the opportunity to lead the entire program, which, you know, I love and I’m thankful for.”
By most accounts, Lebby’s fresh start for the Bulldogs is better positioned than in previous years. There has been tremendous turnover with the coaching staff, and upheaval in the roster as well. Although most fans are hopeful, such changes can bring skepticism as well. Most preseason polls call for the Dawgs to finish at least 15th in the SEC, a sentiment of which transfer quarterback Blake Shapen is aware. “We don’t sit there and look at that all day, but we’ve all seen it,” Shapen said at the post-practice press conference. “We brought in some transfers have young guys that have come in and had a big impact on our receiver core. They want to get better every single day.”
How ‘Bout that Offense?
Shapen transferred from Baylor, in time to lead Lebby’s Veer-and-Shoot offense in the 2024 Spring game. Fans were treated to a near-100% hurry-up offense that relies heavily on every position on the field. At MSU, this was unique, including wideouts from sideline to sideline. Veteran wide receiver Jordan Mosley feels optimistic about their room this year. It includes transfers Kelly Akharaiyi, and Kevin Coleman, Jr, who both impressed fans in the spring.
Mosley has named the entire wide receiver room as “Concrete Boys,” inspired by the group of the same name, led by rapper Lil Yachty. “We think we’re the hardest group in the nation,” Mosley said in a post-practice presser. “We all think we’re good, and I think that’s the best part of our team. I think we have a very competitive team. Everybody feels like they’re the best in their position. I think we had a good room last year, but I think we were missing that competitive component.”
Shapen echoed a similar sentiment but in a different way for his position. “There’s an expectation level, and if you don’t reach it, obviously you need to figure out a way to reach it,” Shapen said. “I think that’s the biggest thing that I haven’t had in the past is to be pushed like I’m being pushed right now up to a level that I need to get to. I’m very blessed to have that’s what I need right now.”
Chew the Elephant
No, it’s not a reference to taking on Alabama. That’s a 74-year tradition abandoned when the 2024 SEC schedule was revamped, taking in Texas and Oklahoma. “Chew the elephant,” was coined and adopted by the Bulldog defensive unit in the offseason. Defensive back Hunter Washington said, following the inaugural practice, that the phrase is about how to approach things on the field. “Just taking it one day at a time,” Washington said after the first practice. “Just focus on one part and build it as we go.” The reference is the answer to the question, “How do you eat an Elephant?” The answer is, “One bite at a time.”
Following the Spring game, one area that was thought to need help was on defense, especially in the secondary. Washington believes the new talent, and speed in the wide receiver room help them. “It makes us better,” Washington said. “Going against speed receivers or tight ends, we got all types of threats. I like the offense as well. All the defensive backs been better. We’ve been coming in as one group, and our goal is to go to the best.”
New defensive coordinator Hutzler, has other hurdles to clear, like replacing All-SEC linebackers Nathaniel “Bookie” Watson and Jett Johnson. They believe Stone Blanton, transferring from South Carolina, will help with his SEC experience. Plus, 247Sports’ second-highest ranked junior college linebacker Branden Jennings can shore up the loss. Blanton thinks there’s room for optimism. “Our defense is young, but we have a lot of experience in there, with a lot of new guys coming in with a lot of talent,” Blanton said. “The linebacker room is full of talent. We got ballers in there, so I’m just super excited to play this season.”
Fun, Tough, Competitive, and Accountable
Following practice opening day. Saturday was practice number two in a 25-day practice schedule, all gearing up for an August 31st season opener with Eastern Kentucky. As of now, the pads aren’t on and there are more questions than answers. But Lebby believes some intangibles can be instilled, even before day one. “We’ve been very intentional on being connected – as a football team, as groups, as units – and understanding it’s a lot more about the guy standing beside me than it is me,” Lebby said. “I think if we do that and take that, we have a chance to be the best possible version of us as we can be.”
