Nebraska Season Review: Offensive Line

Published: 17^th Jan 12 10:55 pm

Paul Troupe
Paul Troupe

RANT It!

Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Nebraska’s offensive line had their issues in their inaugural season of B1G 10 play, At times, the offensive line was dominant, however, at other times, they were pushed around by teams that were more physical than them. The Huskers had their moments, but it was not always the prettiest.

The Huskers have a lot of work to do this season under Barney Cotton, the offensive line coach in his fifth season at Nebraska. Against Wisconsin, especially in that second half until Tim Beck finally got to running the ball, the Huskers were manhandled by the Badgers defensive line.

Northwestern was also not a pretty game for these boys either, as Burkhead was given minimal room to run. It’s hard to rack up yards if he has nowhere to run. However, they did have their bright spots.

Wyoming was a completely over matched opponent, and Nebraska proved it. Burkhead had holes galore opened up by the line, as it was one of their finer games all year. Against Michigan State, this unit perhaps had their best game. The Spartan’s D-Line could not touch Taylor Martinez, and though there were never very long gains, Martinez and Burkhead just kept pounding away for 3-4 yards at a time.

This unit also did not fear Penn State, especially after a horrible week in the news. Devon Still did have his moments getting into the backfield, but for the most part, the line did their job and was able to win the battle at the line of scrimmage.

This off-season, Nebraska graduated three seniors: Marcel Jones, Mike Caputo, and Yoshi Hardick. That means seven of the Huskers ten main rotation linemen are back. What they have is no easy task ahead of them, however, they are going to have plenty to work on.

Pass blocking will be key, as at times defenses were able to get too quickly to the quarterback. In the running game, the boys are going to have to become men and dominate the line of scrimmage. I’m not sure how, but get the Dominic Raiola’s and Carl Nicks’ back into the practice facility to teach these current guys a thing or two.

Nebraska’s got a long off-season ahead of them, so let’s hope they make good use out of it.