Zach Arnett emphasizes physicality at Mississippi State: 'Pack your lunch box and hard hat'

Zach Arnett took the podium at SEC Media Days Tuesday to discuss the upcoming season for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Arnett had an impressive first impression while describing what Mississippi State’s identity is going to be in Year 1 under his watch. One thing he’s certain of: The Bulldogs are going to be physical.

Go ahead and pack your hard hats and your lunchbox, SEC.

When you line up against Mississippi State, you better pack your lunchbox and hard hat because it’s going to be a physical game – @CoachZachArnett #HailState? | #SECMD23 pic.twitter.com/CL5AWAlhLD

— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) July 18, 2023

Arnett, of course, is a defensive-minded head coach, having served under Mike Leach as his defensive coordinator since 2020. It’s a change of pace from Leach’s offensive-minded approach, but there’s plenty of talent in Starkville to kick things off under his watch.

Arnett’s 3-3-5 defense is known for its aggressiveness and heavy blitzing, but it was never really Mississippi State’s identity to punish you on that side of the football with Leach’s famous air raid, led by returning QB Will Rogers.

His point, in other words? Don’t count out the Bulldogs.