O Line

[Captain Morgan]

Woodson, Tamme, Little, Burton...........

How 'bout our O-line. I think this group has done a fantastic job this year. Run blocking is strong whoever is running the ball and pass blocking seems to be getting the job done. Sometimes I think Woodson makes it hard because he holds the ball so long.

How do you think our line stacks up against the rest of the SEC?

[The Old School JPS]

I have been impressed by the offensive line play this year. They've not gotten much credit in the midst of all the accolades given to Woodson, Burton, Little and Tamme. Come January though they should be wearing the same bowl rings as those guys, and everyone will know that they will have done just as much to earn them.

[ShelbyvilleCathead]

I think they have done a great job of run blocking but to me it seems that Woodson doesnt have that much time to throw the football. I get frustrated every time some boo bird says just look at the numbers, Brohm is better than Woodson. Brohm has 5 minutes to throw about every time he drops back.
To me this just proves how great Woodson is. To put up the kind of numbers he has without having an all-american line in front of him.

[UedK]

Watch the second half of the UK/Arkansas game and focus on the line. Their push is just about as good as it gets, on just about every running play the line of scrimmage is moved at least five yards. The pulling and trap plays really highlight their athleticism.

Jason Lerger is out in front of almost every play, Brooks gave him high praise for his work that night. If you watch the tape it is easy to see.

I thought the plan to come out the second half and let the line work and the backs take advantage of their work was awesome. :widcat:

[ShelbyvilleCathead]

Watch the second half of the UK/Arkansas game and focus on the line. Their push is just about as good as it gets, on just about every running play the line of scrimmage is moved at least five yards. The pulling and trap plays really highlight their athleticism.

Jason Lerger is out in front of almost every play, Brooks gave him high praise for his work that night. If you watch the tape it is easy to see.

I thought the plan to come out the second half and let the line work and the backs take advantage of their work was awesome. :widcat:
Point taken. When they (UK) play well obviously Woodson, Little, Tamme or Burton get the credit. But when thingss aren't going as well as planned I suppose I do notice the defense blasting thru the line and rushing Woodson. It is hard for me to focus on the O-line while watching the game I guess and only notice when defenses get thru. I am going to try and focus on the TRENCHES if you will against FAU. Hopefully it will a greater margin of victory while less nerve racking and easier to pay attention to.

Thank you for the insight UedK.:thumbup:

[UedK]

Point taken. When they (UK) play well obviously Woodson, Little, Tamme or Burton get the credit. But when things aren't going as well as planned I suppose I do notice the defense blasting thru the line and rushing Woodson. It is hard for me to focus on the O-line while watching the game I guess and only notice when defenses get thru. I am going to try and focus on the TRENCHES if you will against FAU. Hopefully it will a greater margin of victory while less nerve racking and easier to pay attention to.

Thank you for the insight UedK.:thumbup:

It's almost impossible for me to watch the details during a game whether on TV or live. I have to watch a tape and focus with a little slo-motion added in.

Oh, and the skill players are used to getting all the credit, thats the way it's always been. Those lineman are happy to get dirty, sweaty and hopefully every now and then put someone on their butt. :icon_lol:

When the running game is on it slows down everything else, the pass rush, corner and LB blitzes designed to stop the run. Sets up play action, etc, it becomes very fun to watch.

[bellbrass]

I'm an old-school football guy, and I always watch line play. Most of the time, the team that can run the ball wins the game. That is what I like the most about Joker Phillips - he knows that the running game has to be there - typical of a Jerry Claiborne-taught coach. Sometimes we win with passing and a mediocre running game, but not in the SEC. I think a football team is only as good as its offensive and defensive line play.
I was watching LSU's defensive line in the South Carolina game, and they simply won that game for the Tigers, hands down. They shut down the Gamecock's running game, and you could see the frustration on Spurrier's face when he stubbornly tried to run the ball again and again.
I was also watching Florida's offensive line against Ole Miss. They gave Tebow about 5 minutes every time to decide what to do, or so it seemed.

Uk's O-line has been a pleasant surprise so far. If we can run for 100 or more yards against LSU or Florida, I will be truly impressed.

[RV]

As was predicted the perceived preseason O-line problems were as off target as the preseason WR problems of last year. This is a very good group. Athletic, strong and smart and will only get better from here on out. With the talent we have in the wings along with those coming on board, I expect our O-line to be one of the strengths of this team for years to come. Coach Heggins is the man.

[gerntz]

The FB's deserve as much credit as the OL.

[jpay]

The FB's deserve as much credit as the OL.

Conner was flat beatin Linebackers up in the 2nd half!!!! As for the O line. this is the best pulling unit I have ever seen. The Guards run like halfbacks! We are probably the smallest starting five in the SEC on the O line but every one of these guys are smash mouth tough!!!! I AM IMPRESSED!!!!

[Diz]

Conner was flat beatin Linebackers up in the 2nd half!!!! As for the O line. this is the best pulling unit I have ever seen. The Guards run like halfbacks! We are probably the smallest starting five in the SEC on the O line but every one of these guys are smash mouth tough!!!! I AM IMPRESSED!!!!


Excellent posts from all. The small stature is why pass protection is so hard. They should put lead weights on their hip pads. (this is a joke)

It is a joy to watch the center of the UK O-line push the line of scrimmage. When the hole finally opens, our fullbacks know how wipe out the LBs.

I too was in Fayetteville and was in awe of the O-line run blocking in the second half. The run defense was equally amazing, especially when you consider who they were holding to 27 yards in the 4th quarter. Petri and Heggins have certainly crafted a winning rotation of linemen on both sides.

Tough is the operative word. The future is bright in the two deep. With the recruits coming in next year, the RBs must be grinning at the thought of how good Heggins can make these guys.

[poodoo]

Excellent posts from all. The small stature is why pass protection is so hard. They should put lead weights on their hip pads. (this is a joke)

It is a joy to watch the center of the UK O-line push the line of scrimmage. When the hole finally opens, our fullbacks know how wipe out the LBs.

I too was in Fayetteville and was in awe of the O-line run blocking in the second half. The run defense was equally amazing, especially when you consider who they were holding to 27 yards in the 4th quarter. Petri and Heggins have certainly crafted a winning rotation of linemen on both sides.

Tough is the operative word. The future is bright in the two deep. With the recruits coming in next year, the RBs must be grinning at the thought of how good Heggins can make these guys.

Good thread and good post. Also, the offensive linemen do not usually get the credit they deserve. I like the job they are doing now and expect them to continue to improve. Too, as you say, Diz, the future looks bright, and Coach Heggins is indeed a huge part of that. :)

[ShelbyvilleCathead]

Congrats to Garry Williams on being named SEC O-Linemen of the week.:thumbup:

[poodoo]

Congrats to Garry Williams on being named SEC O-Linemen of the week.:thumbup:

DITTO. Jason Leger has won the award twice this season, and now Garry Williams wins the award. :) YES!!! :)

[DenCat]

I'm not sure how the line playing time shapes up, but I think the addition of 2 former TE's, Duncan and Scott, really helps the athleticism of the line as a whole.