DanaDane said:
He wouldn't be running behind Bill Snyder's offensive line, which was almost always one of the top 3 or 4 in the conference. He'd be running behind the 9th best offensive line in the conference (some would argue 10th) = 2 yards a carry.
True but I will be shocked if there is not significant improvement on the line next season. All these very capable and highly paid coaches' jobs are depending on it and they know it better than any of us.
Snyder K state lines didn't have big recruits - tons of transfers and old guys kind of like the direction we are heading with 2 or 3 transfers likely to start next year (and more in two deep).
Offensive lines also always look better (and give up fewer sacks) when you are committed to running and play good defense (because you get the ball more and can start to tire guys out). Perhaps the biggest difference this year will be an offensive and line philosophy that fits better with aranda's overall philosophy. Also the guys are going to be asked to do a lot fewer things in the hopes they will do them better. Also the entire line philisophy is premised on simplifying their decisions so we should see far fewer missed assignments and miscommunications that doomed us last year. Not asking them to dominate a lot of one on ones either which obviously they didn't do. Also our strength should be much improved.
Deleon was fond of saying "you can't have a big 12 offensive line without big 12 weightlifters." We had neither last year. We should have at least the latter this year but hopefully both.