Offensive Line: Linchpin of this team? Season?

[detroitjohn]

It seems like the most enduring unit question on this team since Jabrill moved to LB is whether UM's OL is tough enough and deep enough to produce. They ended very well versus Florida (it's tough to tell how much Florida's depressed offense hurt their defense's motivation), but also struggled mightily vs OSU in the 2nd half and doing much vs. MSU's stout front.

I like that Bredenson and Onwenu appear ready to step up into at least the two-deep rotation. When you have freshmen nipping the heels of seniors, that could be a good sign. I'm concerned about Kalis football blocking instincts and aggressiveness, ditto on the former for Braden. Mason Cole looks solid at center and probably is a much more natural fit at that position. He should be very fun to watch there. Magnussen should be solid, but Newsome is a relative newbie and unproven.

If this unit picks it up, especially in the last half of the season against great competition, that may be the fulcrum of our season. If it struggles or loses several to injuries (please, not Cole), the offense will be in trouble.

 

[tarun262]

I would agree - generally true freshman pushing for PT on the O-line does not bode well for the team...last time we had that was with Cole and we all know how inept our O-line has been the past few years.

My 3 big question marks on this season full of super high expectations is:

1. Speight - for some reason I keep thinking John Navarre (minus the awesome deep ball) and I really hope he's better then that. Unlike the 90s you can't win a lot of games scoring 20 points - you have to be able to put up points on the board in a world of spread defenses - look at Bama the past few years.
2. O-line - we have the same set of folks returning and neither have proven to show remarkable improvements - each has been incremental. If we can't control the line of scrimmage better then we did and open up the running game, my point above about Speight becomes even more magnified.
3. LBs - very raw and young. I mean we were so pathetic last year so you have to assume they will be an improvement and with Peppers there now, it should be a lot of better but there are still question marks there.

This is the first season I can truly say, if we believe the hype and feedback from the coaches, we can get to the BIG/playoffs but that's a big if. At the same time if our QB play or our O-line continue to be mediocre, a 9-3 season (which honestly is not bad considering our 7 year stint of mediocrity) could very well happen as well.

 

[Reality Man]

1. Something tells me Speight will do fine. This is assuming UM can run the ball otherwise then problems may arise. Speight looks to be competent when he is in manageable situations. He does have Butt and Darboh, Chesson and Hill to throw to so the wr's will make it easier on him.

I can almost guarantee that if UM runs the ball for about 3-4 yards per carry then this team will be fine. Cole will be fine. Bredeson is going to crack the lineup. Got Magnuson and Braden and a good OL coach. Kalis can be replaced if not up to snuff. Assuming no injuries...things should be fine especially when you throw in Wheatley and others blocking at TE.

Not a big concern of mine although Hawaii won't tell us much unless UM struggles.


2. I would normally agree....20 pts isn't a lot of points nowadays but I think UM has a big time defense to shut people down and give the offense quality field position. 20-24 pts against good teams should get it done. Remember...you hold teams to 4 fg's and a td....that is basically 20 pts and an opponent who probably got into or just outside of the redzone. 5 possessions of scoring so again holding teams to 3 pts on some possessions with this team is doable.

3. I am not really concerned about lb'ing even if an injury or two arises. Why? Because the DL should really make their job relatively easier...cleanup. Dang...I could play lb'er for the 85 Bears .


Bottom line...this team is built to win football games with a qb that limits mistakes and an OL that can open up holes. The defense will stay fresh and the offense should control the ball. Lloyd would LOVE this team.



RM