Mississippi State guard DJ Chester speaks on Week 2 matchup

Mississippi State's offensive line underwent a major makeover in the offseason, which included the addition of veteran interior lineman DJ Chester from LSU. The former Tiger played both center and guard, and slotted in quickly to the left guard spot when he became a Bulldog. Throughout the offseason, Chester was part of a big group of offensive linemen (pun intended) who would grab their meals together for extra film study, or just make time together outside of football entirely to grow the chemistry of a room with a lot of new faces. That was an intentional part of teambuilding for the group, and it's something Chester saw dividends for on the field on Saturday. 'I feel like it paid off in a terrific way, really,' Chester said of the group's bonding in the offseason. 'We've still got a lot of strides we need to make. This morning, Coach Phil (Loadholt) came and went over the film, and was like, 'you played well, but you can always get better.' The competition is always going to go up every week, so I'm always focused on the little details to make sure you can become a better you.' The Bulldogs routed Louisiana Monroe in Week One without allowing a single sack for either KaMario Taylor or backup quarterback Parker Puckett. The offensive line starters included Chester fitting in between left tackle Miles McVay and center Canon Boone. Both players are experienced veterans as well, with Boone a longtime Bulldog and McVay arriving with Chester in the transfer portal. Their chemistry was evident early as the Bulldogs gave Taylor the time he needed and fed five different running backs throughout the contest. 'All of us are somewhat older guys, so it's easy,' Chester said of his side of the line. 'If Miles didn't see something, I'll say it. If I didn't see something, Canon would say it. Communication was wonderful there.' Shifting Gears The next opponent won't be nearly as easy task for the Bulldogs up front. Chester and the O-line will face one of the most experienced defensive line groups in the Big Ten, including the returning conference sack leader in Anthony Smith. 'My first impression is their hard work,' Chester said of the Minnesota assignment. They're a very tough defense, very 'fly to the ball' defense. Watching them today, like I said, they float to the ball. Hard working, high effort defense with a lot of good players on that side.' Smith is someone Chester said 'flies off the ball,' and someone he admired after studying up a bit. He'll be a challenge for the entire line as he opens up space and takes attention. He can distract from other threats, including guys like TJ Bush on the other edge, or Riley Sunram on the interior. It's a group with a lot of football played, and poses a lot of trouble for the Bulldogs. Focus is a key for Chester, on what he and the team can control and putting them in position to execute their plan. 'Focus on what we do best. Just focus on our technique, focus on what we can do, and not be worried about what they can do. I feel like if we focus on what we are and what we can do, everything should be perfect.' The line was complimented by the rest of the offense for the performance on Saturday. While the expectation is for a tougher matchup up north, they want to strive for the same standard and give Taylor the same level of support to do his thing. They know when that happens, good things happen, and they're determined to keep the compliments rolling. 'If your QB can sit back there and pass the ball all day, it means you're doing your job,' Chester said. 'I feel like that's great. Whatever we need to do to make him more comfortable. As y'all can see, he's a great quarterback, and he's a great person, so whatever we can do to make it comfortable and go throw meatballs to all the receivers, I have to go do it.'