How Buffalo Wild Wings, Bible study build cohesion for Mississippi State’s new offensive line

STARKVILLE — Grant Jackson appears to be the chicken wing-eating champion among Mississippi State football’s offensive linemen. At least he was one night near the start of the Bulldogs’ preseason camp. 

“I think Grant had over 30 (wings) and his fiancé had to stop him,” center Ethan Miner said in early August. 

Trips to Buffalo Wild Wings for all-you-can-eat chicken wings are one example of how Mississippi State’s offensive linemen are gelling together before the 2024 season kicks off on Aug. 31 against Eastern Kentucky (5 p.m., SEC Network+).

The group is completely revamped with all five starters from last season departed. The Bulldogs also have a new offensive line coach in Cody Kennedy, hired by first-year coach Jeff Lebby after three seasons at Arkansas. 

Talent is necessary at offensive line, but so is the cohesion that’s been noted by Mississippi State coaches since the start of preseason practices. 

Miner, a North Texas transfer who’s started 35 consecutive games, appears to be a leader of the group. According to Jacoby Jackson, another offensive lineman transfer, the position group has made trips to church together and had Bible study sessions. Miner conducts it. 

“Sometimes we go to Ethan Miner’s house,” Jacoby Jackson said Tuesday. “We go, eat some good food, just bond. You know offensive linemen, nine times out of 10 when we bond, we’re going to bond over some good food, so it’s a good thing that we do.”

MORE: Why this junior college could affect Mississippi State football’s defense in multiple ways

Mississippi State’s coaches have pointed out the offensive line’s chemistry

At the start of preseason practice, Kennedy said the group’s closeness has been something he’s already picked up on.

“That’s been the biggest thing that I’ve seen through my time here is their ability (to) want to hang out with each other,” he said. “They care for each other. That used to always be a given in the O-line world. Now with the fabric of the game and how you’re managing rosters, it’s kind of been a lost art.”

Then after Sunday’s first Mississippi State preseason scrimmage, Lebby noted the offensive line as one of the most improved positions on the team.

“I think the group is really taking great strides since we ended spring ball, and maybe the group that’s made the most improvement between the end of spring and fall camp,” he said. “And then it’s continued to get better. I appreciate their spirit, their work ethic, their toughness and their camaraderie.”

Strong friendships aren’t interfering with competition

Jackson and Miner are about as experienced as teams can find in the transfer portal. Mississippi State also added Memphis transfer Makylan Pounders, who started 10 games last season, and LSU transfer Marlon Martinez, who’s made 45 appearances and four starts in four seasons. 

They mix with a group that lacks experience. 

“I’ve been at places where you transfer in and the guys don’t like you because it’s a threat,” Miner said. “They’re coming in to compete for a spot. That wasn’t the case at all. It’s definitely brought us closer together.”

Sam Sklar is the Southern Miss beat reporter for the Hattiesburg American. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.