Interesting article on WSJ.Com about OL starts. They point out that last years final top 10, 8 teams had OLs to start the season with 65 combined starts or more as a group. They also point out that preseason teams that disappointed (Missouri, Clemson, and Georgia) had green OL's with less than 40 starts combined. This year the Irish and Va.Tech have OL's with 100 combined starts. Texas has 91 and OU has only 29, as a Texas fan I like those numbers. Last year OU had 131 starts on the OL....so that's a big difference. Interesting read. OL as a predictor
That's an interesting premise. I'd like to think it's an accurate indicator of potential success. However, being the cautious soul that I am, I must remember that when you return starters from bad teams, it's not necessarily a reason for optimism.
OL <t>Sid, Terry,<br/> <br/> Anyone who follows ND Closely at all would have to say that the VAST majority of ND's problems have been directly or indirectly due to OL play. <br/> Probably the difference between going 3-9 to 6-6 in 2007 and from 7-5 in 2008 to 9-4. It all starts or stops there. If the Irish can just have a good NOT excellent OL this year they probably have no problem going 10-2. <br/> <br/> Let's hope those stats Terry posted bode well but I'm with Sid, I'm not getting my hopes way out of line anymore....just show me guys...just show me!!!<br/> <br/> As far as Texas goes....I'll stay away from that. For Terry's sake though and since I do live in Texas, I hope they do well. Looks like McCoy has the inside track on the Heisman.</t>
It may not necessarily be a good indicator of success, but it can sure be an indicator of approaching FAILURE! The Aggie's OL in '08 was a constantly changing patchwork, and our pitiful offensive output for the season reflected it. Unfortunately, '09 doesn't look to be much better. It's sad, because we have some good skill position players...
So what does a team do in this situation? Deeper drop for the QB? Shotgun? Another back in the backfield? Use two tight ends?