After a disappointing result at State, Marc begins his BBQ season working on his ribs recipe; Zane, the ribs champion, starts his year off on the wrong foot, jeopardizing his chances of victory.
Marc and Zane battle to win the top prize in ribs to qualify for the BBQ State Championship; small-town student Emery hustles at practice as her future hinges on perfecting her chicken skin to win scholarships.
After qualifying for State, Zane's team struggles to stay engaged at their next competition and his coaches find creative ways to teach them; meanwhile, an overly large chicken may cost Emery her future and a chance to go to her dream college.
Marc takes steps towards his future while Zane stands at a crossroads; Team Seriously Smokin' hustles to pay for State and new student Cami tries to figure out how to perfect her dessert.