I think our OL will do just fine in '22!
Why? Because our improved talent at QB and RB will make it easier on our OL to hold their blocks plus all or most of our OL is back plus improvement with the portal transfer guy.
Just my two centavos Amigos. Right SC?
USC's question marks on 2022 offensive line might be oversold by some analysts
Matt Zemek - 4m ago
USC's question marks on 2022 offensive line might be oversold by some analysts (msn.com)
We can see that the skill positions will be electric and loaded with talent, beginning with Caleb Williams and flowing through the backfield and the receiver corps. Having an offensive line which allows that talent to spill out in full flower will be the true challenge for Lincoln Riley and his offensive staff in Year 1.
As much as the offensive line is an obvious talking point, however, we have to ask this follow-up question: Is the rest of the Pac-12 ready to do something about that and capitalize on the Trojans’ relative point of weakness?
That’s the other part of the equation, and it isn’t getting enough notice right now.
Ducks Wire editor and analyst Zachary Neel made this point in evaluating Oregon after its 2021 season, especially the Alamo Bowl loss to Caleb Williams himself:
I think the Alamo Bowl probably highlighted a couple of areas where Dan Lanning already planned on trying to improve this defense: With size up front and with speed at the LB spot. The Ducks — as is the case with a majority of Pac-12 teams — are a bit undersized on the defensive line, especially when it comes to playing a Big-12 or SEC team. It also likely showed that the Ducks have a couple of nice pieces at LB who are versatile and able to make plays in open space, but they need to be able to fly around a little bit more to succeed in his linebacker-centric defensive scheme.
If Oregon doesn’t have all the pieces in place just yet, other Pac-12 teams won’t, either. USC might not struggle to the extent many commentators seem to think it will.
Depth is the issue. Only 15. That’s a 2 deep and a practice squad.
And there’s always attrition…guys get hurt, don’t pan out, grades, etc.
There’s 2-3 losses there.
i am skeptical...same bunch who could not play the last 2 years.
Depends on the portal . sc
Coming off one of the worst seasons in our lifetimes, having added a proven HC, and being able to access the new portal, improvement is a gimme. The HC has already culled the existing OL and brought in new bigs with more talent from the portal. Additional bigs are likely between now and fall practice. By year 3 we should have all the pieces in place to compete at the National level.
I am optimistic too. No where to go but up.