Previewing Our O-line

DrJacket

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Most fascinating part may have been near the end--when the writer says that this situation (so many skill players replaced; most of the O-line returns) sets up a fun debate: is the line more important to our running game? Or, is it the backs?

Obviously, everyone will break that down and discuss WR's having to make their blocks for the run game to succeed. The other backs have to make their blocks. QB has to make the right reads to start with, including the walk from huddle to getting under center. Soon, the conclusion is that everyone is important to each play, etc., etc.

But, still--this is a fun question.
 

4shotB

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is the line more important to our running game? Or, is it the backs?

still--this is a fun question.

I vote for the line. Go back and look at the data from the Orange Bowl vs. Iowa or Peach vs. LSU. In both games we rushed for about 150 yards (+/-) - that is with Dwyer, Nesbitt and R.Jones, A.Allen, etc. Ga. Tech doesn't fare well when only rushing for 150 or so.

Give me a great line and decent backs over the opposite any day of the week. (I do agree that perimeter blocking/QB reads are vital as well - but the game is won and lost in the trenches for the most part).
 

GTech63

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I vote for the line. Go back and look at the data from the Orange Bowl vs. Iowa or Peach vs. LSU. In both games we rushed for about 150 yards (+/-) - that is with Dwyer, Nesbitt and R.Jones, A.Allen, etc. Ga. Tech doesn't fare well when only rushing for 150 or so.

Give me a great line and decent backs over the opposite any day of the week. (I do agree that perimeter blocking/QB reads are vital as well - but the game is won and lost in the trenches for the most part).
But not having a passing game lets the D force you to pass and stop the run even with a great line. Not having a passing game means they cannot put 8 and 9 in the box. 2015 was first time CPJ had both run game and passing game available as needed. I foresee that opponents primary objective will be to force us to pass by loading the box to stop the run.

A QB that was an accurate passer and catching the damn ball were problems except for BeBe in those earlier years. We seem to be getting athletic guys that can catch, and have speed. Blocking can be taught. But the O line is where it all starts. To be in the top 10 in O you need all factors of the game. To win a NC you need a D in addition. And that starts with a good D line.

It is going to be fun to see who will be the next Godhigh, Days, Lasky, R Jones, A. Allen, Smelter, Thomas this coming year. I will be surprised if we don't have 2 or 3 true freshmen backs not red shirt this fall.
 

SidewalkJacket

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I think what is exciting is that we may be able to continue our power-run dominance from the UGAg and MSU games. I love busting those outside runs on pitches, rocket tosses, etc., but what we did the UGAg in the second half was glorious. If we enter 2015 with that ability, it will give these young backs and WRs the time to hone their perimeter blocking for when we need it most. Being able to line up and run power will also save JT some wear and tear.
 

4shotB

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I think what is exciting is that we may be able to continue our power-run dominance from the UGAg and MSU games. I love busting those outside runs on pitches, rocket tosses, etc., but what we did the UGAg in the second half was glorious. If we enter 2015 with that ability, it will give these young backs and WRs the time to hone their perimeter blocking for when we need it most. Being able to line up and run power will also save JT some wear and tear.

I 100% agree. When the B-Back dive is good for 5+ yards a carry, it is glorious to behold...as well as demoralizing to the other team. Just makes everything else work that much better, which ironically becomes less necessary. I have a bit of Woody Hayes in me...I love power football. That starts up front.
 

SidewalkJacket

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I 100% agree. When the B-Back dive is good for 5+ yards a carry, it is glorious to behold...

Cool thing to see in the last few games (especially UGAg), was that we weren't even running dives disguised as option gives. We were running off tackle with unbalanced lines. Straight up smash mouth. I never thought I'd see us do that to UGAg.
 

Yaller Jacket

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With 4shot, sidewalk, and probably thousands of others, I am still giddy and almost disbelieving what we did in the second half of Georgia, Miss State, and FSU. I have watched more replays this offseason than any other ten offseasons combined. I am firmly in the camp which says a great line can make pretty good backs look great. That's reason I am not worried about replacing many backs from last year. If Devine isn't too big a dropoff and the line picks back up where they left off, we can be in the national picture this year.
 

gtg936g

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I am a Zack Laskey fan, but his last TD against the mutts was mostly due to the O line. Shaq and Freddie were the hammer and the mutts were the nail.
 

TechTravis

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666
This past year is the first one I can remember since O'Leary where we were just more "man" on the LOS than our opponents. Especially late in the season. GT shoved people around, rather than having to "scheme block" to account for a lack of size. Even u(sic)ga got mushed by our boys up front.
 

cuttysark

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Actually after giving this some thought it seems to me that Shaq and Freddie were the hammer; Laskey the nail; and the 5 Stars Mutts D-Line the partical board at the end of that TD.
 

redmule

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I remember with a smile the MSU guys sitting a few rows in front of me at the OB. They just kept repeating, "We can't stop a damn dive play."
 

MidtownJacket

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I am going to say the order of importance is:

1) Great QB - if you aren't making the right reads quickly than you're toast in this offense
2) Great OL - they, more than anyone but the QB, can help slow down the play for the Offensive players to bring along good backs
3) Great Skill Positions - they have to block and execute but can play with a limited playbook and still look good if the top two are clicking
 
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