Oline

[ShamWowed]

Is it fair to criticize Bedenbaugh for our Oline issues or is this more with the guys learning a new system? Since we have a couple of new Olineman it seems that could complicate it as well. I just know Bedenbaugh is supposedly highly regarded but to be shut out in a half(almost) by Kent St. does not bode well for conference play. I know Gabe Ikard has been critical of the oline the past two games but I never hear critique of coach B from him. Is it not enough horses in the stable? Is it not good development? Is it not enough time in the new system?

Just curious of everyone's thoughts...

 

[ksigcajun]

I'm not down on Gabriel as some are, but he held on to the ball way too long too many times in the first half. That long roll out/scramble to to his right when he had plenty of time to just chunk it out of bounds instead of taking the sack was bad. And since he's left handed the ball is closer to the defender that way, so he needs to be aware he even has less time when rolling to his right. I'm sure Lebby is all over him for that.

Right tackle - which Gabriel's blind side - has had injury issues the first two games. And not sure what this about from week 1: "Morris was dealing with an off-field issue." And now Mettauer hurt. This from a play-by-play vs Kent State:

"7:57 p.m.​

Tyler Guyton is the lineman down, though he walked off the field under his own power. Anton Harrison also was limping after that Marcus Major run. True freshman Jacob Sexton coming into the game at right tackle."

I think we've not seen a preferred starting line-up. I'm sure Bedenbaugh's doing everything he can to fix this, but we need a consistent set of starters to gel.

 

[ShamWowed]

I'm not down on Gabriel as some are, but he held on to the ball way too long too many times in the first half. That long roll out/scramble to to his right when he had plenty of time to just chunk it out of bounds instead of taking the sack was bad. And since he's left handed the ball is closer to the defender that way, so he needs to be aware he even has less time when rolling to his right. I'm sure Lebby is all over him for that.

Right tackle - which Gabriel's blind side - has had injury issues the first two games. And not sure what this about from week 1: "Morris was dealing with an off-field issue." And now Mettauer hurt. This from a play-by-play vs Kent State:

"7:57 p.m.​

Tyler Guyton is the lineman down, though he walked off the field under his own power. Anton Harrison also was limping after that Marcus Major run. True freshman Jacob Sexton coming into the game at right tackle."

I think we've not seen a preferred starting line-up. I'm sure Bedenbaugh's doing everything he can to fix this, but we need a consistent set of starters to gel.

Good points on Gabriel. I had not noticed the limping but in general it seems we take too long to know who our starters are on the line. That seems like it would be the highest of priorities to figure out before Game 1. I understand the off field issue with Morris was not anticipated but this seems common for us.

 

[ksigcajun]

Some goods news from a Bob P article:
Morris will be a boost

It is expected for offensive tackle Wanya Morris to be available to play for the Sooners this weekend. After missing the first two games, everyone feels confident he’s going to make his season debut in Lincoln.

“He's another guy that brings experience,” Lebby said. “He's played in a bunch of games. He's incredibly athletic. He has great understanding of the game and the schemes. Looking forward to possibly having him back and ready to roll.”

 

[Soccerpal]

Bedenbaugh has been here awhile with his recruits. The O-line should be one of the set positions, considering the changes during the offseason.
I was OK when it was said the he was on the plane with TBOW.
I've wondered if he was retained with a guarantee from admin for some reason.
Or if BV and Lebby interviewed him and determined he is the best option for them.
Maybe the existing players had a hand in the decision.

 

[csregor]

Bedenbaugh has been here awhile with his recruits. The O-line should be one of the set positions, considering the changes during the offseason.
I was OK when it was said the he was on the plane with TBOW.
I've wondered if he was retained with a guarantee from admin for some reason.
Or if BV and Lebby interviewed him and determined he is the best option for them.
Maybe the existing players had a hand in the decision.

I don't believe he was ever on the plane with TBOW. He was vetted by BV the same as everyone else.

I never played organized football. MY H.S. was too small. I attended several OU coaching clinics in the mid 80s by invitation of a few high schools coaches. I really enjoyed the classroom type discussion that the position coaches held several times per week. From a layman's eyes the defensive always seemed like a bunch of moving parts that were triggered by the offensive formations. From a layman's eyes it appeared to me that the OLine was the most difficult positions to play. The OLine must play every down as one moving part. Precision and timing is paramount to avoid moving backwards in yardage. They are the first to activate in a play. The OLine takes more time to master. Each game will get better. The game starts with the OLine. Just my layman's observation.

 

[ShamWowed]

I don't believe he was ever on the plane with TBOW. He was vetted by BV the same as everyone else.

I never played organized football. MY H.S. was too small. I attended several OU coaching clinics in the mid 80s by invitation of a few high schools coaches. I really enjoyed the classroom type discussion that the position coaches held several times per week. From a layman's eyes the defensive always seemed like a bunch of moving parts that were triggered by the offensive formations. From a layman's eyes it appeared to me that the OLine was the most difficult positions to play. The OLine must play every down as one moving part. Precision and timing is paramount to avoid moving backwards in yardage. They are the first to activate in a play. The OLine takes more time to master. Each game will get better. The game starts with the OLine. Just my layman's observation.

I think the danger for us are the rare occasions we play a top quality P5 team in our early non-con schedule. Should we not expect our coaching staff to have all units ready to play? If it takes Bedenbaugh multiple games to get the OLine to gel, it seems our system is broken.

 

[ppchj98]

I think the danger for us are the rare occasions we play a top quality P5 team in our early non-con schedule. Should we not expect our coaching staff to have all units ready to play? If it takes Bedenbaugh multiple games to get the OLine to gel, it seems our system is broken.

Might want to hang on a game or two there genius.

 

[ShamWowed]

Might want to hang on a game or two there genius.

Thanks for stating the obvious.

 

[L. Ron Mexico]

Seems like the 23’ Oline recruits outside of Green may have a little bit of a project to them? Either that or OU got them committed before their stock is going to start rising?

 

[Rob Lewis_rivals]

None of us should be surprised or disappointed in the offensive line so far. Losing three starters from a year ago and having C Raym miss spring drills has not helped.
But I see potential in the younger and/or less experienced players, but I also see a work in process.
That said, I will hold my judgement for a while, as I think Bedenbaugh needs more time with this unit.

 

[newnasty]

A lotta 'new' in this situation....
new O-line players, new QB, new OC, new offense, and a new Strength coach, Barring major injuries going forward, they're going to improve and get better.

 

[csregor]

None of us should be surprised or disappointed in the offensive line so far. Losing three starters from a year ago and having C Raym miss spring drills has not helped.
But I see potential in the younger and/or less experienced players, but I also see a work in process.
That said, I will hold my judgement for a while, as I think Bedenbaugh needs more time with this unit.

Exactly, lots of moving parts and a few of those pieces are brand new.

 

[Rob Lewis_rivals]

Exactly, lots of moving parts and a few of those pieces are brand new.

Bud Wilkinson once took issue with referring to only backs and receivers as "skill position" players.
In so many words, he said the skills of a good offensive lineman are at least as important as any position in football.
Watching highlights of Wilkinson's great teams of the 1950's, when it adhered to the "three yards and a cloud of dust" offense, one can truly appreciate the superb blocking provided by those great Sooner teams. OU went 93-10-2 from 1950-59......following the teams of 1948 and 1949 that went 21-1.

 

[Soccerpal]

I don't believe he was ever on the plane with TBOW. He was vetted by BV the same as everyone else.

I never played organized football. MY H.S. was too small. I attended several OU coaching clinics in the mid 80s by invitation of a few high schools coaches. I really enjoyed the classroom type discussion that the position coaches held several times per week. From a layman's eyes the defensive always seemed like a bunch of moving parts that were triggered by the offensive formations. From a layman's eyes it appeared to me that the OLine was the most difficult positions to play. The OLine must play every down as one moving part. Precision and timing is paramount to avoid moving backwards in yardage. They are the first to activate in a play. The OLine takes more time to master. Each game will get better. The game starts with the OLine. Just my layman's observation.

No, he wasn't on the plane.
But the early reports were that he was one of the coaches onboard.
Very early, before anything had been verified.

 

[ShamWowed]

That was a much improved performance on the OLine. I do concede Nebraska could be the worst team we have played though.

 

[csregor]

That was a much improved performance on the OLine. I do concede Nebraska could be the worst team we have played though.

Harrison and Morris had very good games. A very good peak at what this unit can be. Step by step.