Top 3 offensive NCAA Football O-Lines going into 2019
Top 3 offensive NCAA Football O-Lines going into 2019
Georgia
Georgia had another solid year last season. Going 7-1 in conference 11-3 overall last year, the Bulldogs look to build off what they did last season to make a run towards the college football playoffs. The strength of their offensive line was the main reason for their success last season. Behind this big and powerful offensive line, they average 226.9 passing yards a game, avenged 239 rushing yards a game which brought their average to about 466.1 yards offensive yards a game. They are averaging 320 pounds upfront. From many preseason reports and stats, their starting left tackle Andrew Thomas who will be a junior this season is classified as the best offensive linemen in the country. They also have Sophomore Isaiah Wilson and Junior Ben Cleveland who are also set to have strong seasons. Look for the Bulldogs to go after the SEC East again and maybe we could see them and Alabama go for round 3, but will it be different if they do?
2. Oregon
The Oregon Ducks are set to have another solid season in 2019. The Ducks went 5-4 in conference last season and 9-4 overall record. They finished the season strong by winning their last two regular-season games and capping off the season with a bowl victory over Michigan State in a tight battle. Oregon's QB Justin Herbert threw the only touchdown of the game early in the fourth qtr. He was able to do so because of the great protection he had from the guys upfront. Oregon has one of the best dominant offensive lines heading into 2019. Several guys with experience and seemingly have the most depth. They also have two of the best pass-blocking offensive tackles in college football. One being a young true Sophomore Penei Sewell who is sitting at 6’6 345 pounds. Before missing half the season with a bad ankle sprain, he played the left tackle position exceptionally well. On many stats Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released they have him in the top 10 in offensive tackles. They also have a monster at right tackle Calvin Throckmorton 6’5 309. One unique thing about him is, he was the only FBS lineman to start at four games last season at (RT, C, RG, LT). Talk about being prepared and ready to go. They also have one of the top interior Lineman Dallas Warmack who set to have a strong senior season. Behind this big and athletic offensive line the offense was able to average 247 passing yards a game, 180 rushing yards a game, averaging about 428 yards a game of total offense. With all the experience they have upfront, can the offense use that to build towards a PAC-12 championship in 2019?
3. Army
Army is a triple-option team, which means you will hardly see the ball thrown. However, that does not mean they do not have the capability to throw it because Senior QB Kelvin Hopkins Jr. threw for 1,026 yards last season and tossed 6 TD passes in doing so. The main bread and butter to this offense is the run game. Behind Army’s offensive line last season they rushed for 4,207 yards. Behind this brick wall of a line, they averaged 312 yards rushing and about 80 yards passing a game which brought their average to about 392 yards a game. They are returning three starters up front, with the leadership of senior offensive lineman Jaxson Deaton and Junior Peyton Reeder who both will be the two guards this season. They look to build off the rushing success they had last season. Some crazy stats behind this O-line, they were 112-196 (57.14%) on 3rd downs last season but an even crazier stat they were 31-36 (86.11%) on fourth down. Which means they have complete faith behind that Offensive line, and who looks to be beaten down D-lines this coming season. Taking Oklahoma to the wire last season, could army pull off an upset against Michigan this season?
-By: Zach Branner