Nebraska offensive line

[Husker_Power]

By ERIC OLSON

AP Sports Writer

 

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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Few teams in major-college football have allowed as many sacks as Nebraska the past two seasons.

 

The Cornhusker linemen say it's a point that has been pounded into them.

 

``There has been a lot of pressure on us because of sacks,'' junior guard Matt Slauson said. ``It's something we have to get rectified.''

 

Said senior tackle Carl Nicks: ``Coach reminds us every day that we gave up too many sacks. It's a big emphasis.''

 

Nebraska surrendered a combined 68 sacks in 2005 and 2006 - one for every 13.6 pass plays.

 

Only one Big 12 team, Iowa State, and 10 others in Division I's Football Bowl Subdivision have given up more sacks over the same period.

 

Line coach Dennis Wagner said his unit's ability to protect the quarterback is an obvious concern, but the issue isn't causing him excess worry.

 

``You're not going to throw the ball over 400 times and not give up some sacks,'' Wagner said. ``People need to remember that when you used to throw it 10 times a game, you aren't going to give up sacks. You throw it 40 times a game, you're going to give one up here and there.''

 

Nebraska linemen once were groomed to clear lanes for running backs and out-muscle opponents in the triple-option systems of Tom Osborne and Frank Solich. Pass protection was an afterthought as the Huskers ranked among the national rushing leaders year after year.

 

The high number of sacks are the price the Huskers have paid as Bill Callahan dealt with a drop in talent up front along with transitioning the offense to one that, while striving for balance, relies much more on the pass.

 

Callahan's first Nebraska team allowed only 16 sacks, but quarterback Joe Dailey's passing game consisted mostly of three-step drops and sprint-outs.

 

Zac Taylor was a pure dropback passer. No-back and one-back formations made pass protection a challenge, and the line gave up 38 sacks in 2005 and 30 in 2006.

 

Sam Keller, the probable starter this year, is a dropback quarterback as well.

 

Wagner said the Huskers should be better up front because of greater depth and the experience gained in 2006 by this year's projected starters.

 

Center Brett Byford has started 13 straight games. Slauson had 11 starts last year and fellow guard Andy Christensen six.

 

The biggest question is at tackle. Lydon Murtha is expected to start on the right side after being knocked for inconsistency as a backup and part-time starter a year ago. Nicks started two games but appeared in 11 after transferring from junior college.

 

Guards Mike Huff and Keith Williams and tackle D.J. Jones are among others that likely will see significant playing time.

 

Callahan said the 2007 line looks more like what he envisioned for his offense.

 

``The profile has changed dramatically,'' he said. ``What I mean by that is there are big, square, thick, physical offensive linemen.''

 

The average height on Callahan's first offensive line, in 2004, was 6-3. That average has grown to 6-5, led by Murtha and backup guard-center Victory Haines, both at 6-7.

 

``I like tall guys who can protect the edge and take out the speed rushers,'' Callahan said.

 

Milt Tenopir coached some of Nebraska's best offensive lines in the 1980s and 1990s. Tenopir, who retired after the 2002 season, still attends practices, and said Callahan is on the right track after inheriting a stable of linemen lacking in depth.

 

``We had at least three guys (recruited) that didn't pan out for one reason or another,'' Tenopir said. ``You've got to have seven, eight or nine kids who are players, and it appears he has them now.''

 

Nicks said he and his linemates are too young to remember the blockers from Nebraska's heyday.

 

``I've read a lot about them, though,'' Nicks said. ``They've got a lot of tradition here, and we have a lot to live up to.''

[MCAT800]

There as been alot of talk this off-season on the depth and experience of the O-line.

Well I am sick of reading about it and ready to watch it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[admo]

I think the O-line will do better this year! They have experience and the main concern is they stay healthy. Sacks are part of the game. Z.Taylor was great passer, but not very mobile to avoid pressure to buy just a little more time to get a pass off. Sounds like they are aware of the sacks and addressing it. It's okay.. no biggie! GBR!!!

[AR Husker Fan]

In many respects, the key to the entire season. If the offensive line performs, they deny the opposing team field position and easy scoring opportunities. They cause fatigue on defenses that have to remain on the field, giving our defense plenty of rest.

 

While I worry about the defensive line and the secondary on the other side of the ball, a lot of that concern would be alleviated by stellar play by the offensive line.

[Hunter94]

well said, the guys up front on both sides of the ball will be key.

[skersOVRsc]

I know alot of people like to bash BC for his slow progress, but there are so many catagories that if you look closely at the stats you can see immprovements every year just like the number of sacks given up. Good stuff is around the corner. GBR.