Why Offensive Line Isn't A Concern In 2010

I've been reviewing some game film from the 2009 season, and one thing stood out very plainly early on in the season: our offensive line was atrocious. Yes, we were young, and yes, we were trying out different lineups to see which one would work, but they really didn't do a good job of getting a consistent push in the running game, or protecting Jerrod Johnson in our passing game.

Take a look at this clip from the Alabama-Birmingham game:

Jerrod makes a terrific play by avoiding the rush and getting the ball downfield to Ryan Tannehill for a 58 yard completion to the UAB 2 yard line. However, Jerrod is almost instantly under pressure, he was chased out of the pocket within 2 seconds of the snap, nowhere near enough time for the play to develop.

Before the Texas Tech game, we reshuffled our offensive line once again, putting Patrick Lewis and Evan Eike in at both guard sports. Look at this video:

Notice how Jerrod is able to drop back and throw on a rhythm, quickly finding his target and hitting him with the pass? Lewis and Eike control the defensive tackles, allowing Jerrod to drop back with confidence, knowing he has the time to make the play. Although our offensive line lost both offensive tackles to graduation after last season, and we will be starting a true freshman at left tackle this year (and possibly one at right tackle, too), I'm not worried about our pass protection or getting a push in the running game, because we return the heart of the interior of our line, both of our offensive guards. Eike and Lewis will make our center better, and help our young guards as they mature during the season. Heading into the 2010 season, we're strong where it matters on the offensive line, which is why the line isn't a concern this year.