O-line Play

[H-towngreen]

For me, O-line play by far has been the biggest problem so far this year. We have got to be able to pick up the rush or at least give Vizza some time to unload the ball. As for the run, it seems as though half the time as soon as Vizza hands it off J-MO or Mosely are met by a defender before they even have a chance. The O-line is the key to this offense this year. Hopefully things will turn around soon, as this is a young and inexperienced line.

[adman]

For me, O-line play by far has been the biggest problem so far this year. We have got to be able to pick up the rush or at least give Vizza some time to unload the ball. As for the run, it seems as though half the time as soon as Vizza hands it off J-MO or Mosely are met by a defender before they even have a chance. The O-line is the key to this offense this year. Hopefully things will turn around soon, as this is a young and inexperienced line.

One thing that stands out to me about J-Mo in this offense is that he doesn't look comfortable running zone/option/read plays. I think he's better suited to hitting the hole full steam rather than waiting on the QB to decide if he wants to hand the ball off or not.

[untStein]

One thing that stands out to me about J-Mo in this offense is that he doesn't look comfortable running zone/option/read plays. I think he's better suited to hitting the hole full steam rather than waiting on the QB to decide if he wants to hand the ball off or not.

Agreed. It's not a great offense for a north/south runner and it's even more difficult for an O line to run block out of a two point stance. I like this offense but J Mo isn't really suited for it.

[H-towngreen]

True, I expected more from him, especially since he wasn't going to go up against 8 man fronts anymore. Mosely has really impressed me though.

[foutsrouts]

One thing that stands out to me about J-Mo in this offense is that he doesn't look comfortable running zone/option/read plays. I think he's better suited to hitting the hole full steam rather than waiting on the QB to decide if he wants to hand the ball off or not.

I agree. Our plays tend to be slow to develop, and with the constant blitzing, it's too late for Jamario to find a hole by the time he gets the ball in his hands. He's being overwhelmed just as he was when opponents would stack the box against us last year. We need some quick hitting plays to keep the defense a little more honest. One way to do that would be to stick Vizza under center every once in a while.

[risinggreen]

I agree. Our plays tend to be slow to develop, and with the constant blitzing, it's too late for Jamario to find a hole by the time he gets the ball in his hands. He's being overwhelmed just as he was when opponents would stack the box against us last year. We need some quick hitting plays to keep the defense a little more honest. One way to do that would be to stick Vizza under center every once in a while.

Bingo!! Finally somebody gets it!

[Dodge2007]

O-Line play will be the best of the season. It needs to be for UNT to have a chance with such a young core of players on offense.

I think Spencer will have the O-Line ready and hungry to perform at a level not seen this season.

[Daddy Dumpsalot]

Why is it that we have not recruited any size for our offensive (and defensive) lines? In the past or even currently?

[Dodge2007]

If you don't think an offensive line is important and who members need to be some smart players, ask Matt Ryan (heisman trophy candidate) at Boston College tonight. No O-Line, no blitz protection, comes a horrible effort by the BC offense.

Matt Ryan looked like a freshman, most of the night, instead of a senior and future NFL QB. INT's, fumbles, sacks, and under 45% completion.

[Guest GrayEagleOne]

I think that the middle three are pretty solid. I especially like Drake and Santiago. Bailey has been a real surprise to me. In spite of being a little lighter he has really stood his ground. The tackles are not a strength at the moment but I think that Lefty will eventually find or develop some solid players at that position.

The offensive line is also getting something of a bad rap. Nearly all of the sacks have been the result of blitzing linebackers and safeties. Five men cannot block six or seven regardless of their abilities. Opposing defensive lines may be getting some pressure, especially from defensive ends who are looping around the tackles but the sacks that I have observed have come mostly from the middle and/or the outside while running by an occupied blocker.

I don't know why we recruit the lighter offensive linemen. It's either based on speed or the staff plans to use their own weight-training program as they see fit. We do have tall tackles. Of those that should play next year, the shortest 6-5; but they are all relatively light.

Spencer Leftwich is one of the most experienced college coaches on the staff and has developed some outstanding offensive linemen. I trust that he will continue.