Tulsa World: O-line: No such thing as average

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O-line: No such thing as average

Oklahoma State's Russell Okung (right) blocks Texas A&M's Amos Gbunblee last Saturday. Okung and the Cowboy offensive linemen have helped OSU to the nation's second-best rushing offense so far in 2008. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer
Published: 10/9/2008 2:08 AM
Last Modified: 10/9/2008 3:43 AM

STILLWATER — From an initial glimpse, Oklahoma State's offensive line must be doing something right.

The Cowboys' offense has operated at a high level through the first five games. OSU has college football's second-best rushing attack and sixth-best total offense yardage. Quarterback Zac Robinson has only been sacked twice.

The offensive line plays a key role in that production.

But ask team members, and they will paint a different picture.

"We have been average and I'm not kidding about that," junior offensive tackle Russell Okung said. "We're lucky to have those receivers and running backs and our quarterback. They're making us look good. We have a lot of work to do to perform at the level we want."

"Average" has been the assessment coach Mike Gundy gives about the line. This year is different.

"Average is not good enough. We have not played anywhere close to what we're capable," junior guard Andrew Lewis said. "It's not as if we have anyone new on the line and having to help them out. We know what we're doing and we trust everybody on the line.

"We're confident in each other. But we know we can play better. We can play harder."

Offensive line members are have started a combined 114 games. The group of Okung, Lewis, offensive tackle Brady Bond, center David Washington and guard Steve Denning all have at least one full season of starting experience.

Because of that, the standard is raised. Missed assignments and silly penalties are unacceptable. If anything, the linemen can be accused of being perfectionists.

That is handed down from offensive line coach Joe Wickline, who expects nothing less than maximum effort.

"You have to accept it and learn how to cope with it," Washington said. "At first, you may not understand it. The young guys certainly do not. But once you get older, you do."

OSU's offensive line did not have one of its better halves in the first 30 minutes last week against Texas A&M. The offense only produced one touchdown in the half. The linemen did not wait for Wickline's words during halftime. The group as a whole talked amongst themselves and pointed out needed corrections.

The Cowboys proceeded to put together four second-half touchdown drives. The last of the four scoring possessions was a 12-play, 77-yard effort consuming of all running plays that lasted almost six minutes.

The week before against Troy, OSU had an all-run possession of 12 plays and 99 yards that resulted in a touchdown.

From the lineman's perspective, those drives were not average efforts.

"That's a challenge and we like challenges. Coach asks us if we can get our pads low and drive your opponent off the line," Okung said. "We answered that challenge."

OKLAHOMA STATE’S MEN AT WORK

Even though it's their first season together, Oklahoma State's starting offensive line has a collective 114 starting assignments. All five have at least one year's starting experience. A look at the five starters:

Russell Okung, junior left tackle: 26 career starts

Comment: Headliner of the group. Has been the team's dominant lineman the past two years.

Andrew Lewis, junior left guard: 18 career starts

Comment: After playing most of 2007 at center, he has settled in at guard and been a consistent performer.

David Washington, senior center: 32 career starts

Comment: Anchor of the unit earned his starting job back after missing most of last season with a broken leg.

Steve Denning, senior right guard: 15 career starts

Comment: Regarded as a "great effort" player by coaches and teammates.

Brady Bond, junior right tackle: 23 career starts

Comment: Held off juco transfer Andrew Mitchell for starting job in preseason. Has been a solid player this year.By Matt Doyle, World sports writer

Matt Doyle 581-8316
matt.doyle@tulsaworld.com By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer

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Rhymeister, Tulsa (10/11/2008 7:35:30 AM)

I like the self deprecation but they've hardly been average. Still, let's hope they raise the bar this week vs. Mizzou.

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