2010 Big Ten offensive lines

Submitted by ajscipione on

I'd like to find out how the offensive lines stack up in the Big Ten for this coming Fall. A ranking from 1 through 11 would be good. I'm also curious on how many starting offensive lineman MSU lost from last year's team. Thanks to all in advance.

CrankThatDonovan

May 7th, 2010 at 6:35 PM ^

I can't rank the whole conference, but I can tell you that Wisconsin should have a really good offensive line.  Penn State sounds like they've been having issues.  Iowa and Michigan State will try to run a lot, but both will have inexperience on the offensive line (although MSU fans think they don't need a good offensive line to have a good offense...).  Ohio State's should be solid, if not better.  They have some young guys who could step in and make their line really good.  Michigan is in a similar situation.  If Lewan and Omameh can have a really good season (and if everyone stays healthy), we could actually have one of the better lines in the conference.  I assume Illinois and Indiana's line will be meh, and Northwestern and Purdue will probably have decent line play.

CrankThatDonovan

May 7th, 2010 at 9:23 PM ^

As MGoRob said, if this stuff interests you, read Phil Steele when it comes out in June.  His magazine oozes with really great information that will help to clarify your perceptions of teams going into the season. 

Last year, Steele opened my eyes to how good Iowa was going to be, and I was very vocal about it.  A lot of people had their doubts (they lost Mitch King, their defensive stats are inflated, they have walk-ons at running back), but in the end, Iowa was pretty damn good.  Steele will make you a much smarter college football fan, I highly recommend it

Beavis

May 7th, 2010 at 6:37 PM ^

This has to be a joke, kudos to you sir.

And on that note I'd like a free ZJ from the lady at taco bell with the purchase of three chalupas.

MGoRob

May 7th, 2010 at 6:47 PM ^

Phil Steele's magazine that comes out in a few months usually ranks the different units in each conference.  Instead of hearing 20 different opinions on here, I'd suggest waiting for its release and looking there.  This will be a ranking, take in mind, not a bind blowing analysis.

But if you want a more detailed analysis of each team's offensive line unit, I'd suggest you wait for Maple Street Press's Hail to the Victors 2010.  In the 2009 edition, they certainly provided good detail on each team in the Big Ten and other Michigan opponents.  Plus as a bonus you get Brian's awesome, gusto-filled writing style for several articles.

Link: http://www.maplestreetpress.com/book.cfm?book_id=49

Sac Fly

May 7th, 2010 at 6:49 PM ^

it's between us, wisconsin, and OSU for best in the conference.michigan state lost alot, iowa always has decent linemen but it will be tougher to replace them this year.

exmtroj

May 7th, 2010 at 6:52 PM ^

I don't know if it was because they were playing against second-team scrubs, or they had a good running back, but MSU looked pretty dangerous and shifty running the ball in their spring game.

Sac Fly

May 7th, 2010 at 7:01 PM ^

defenses don't do anything more than play cover 2, their secondary is bad but i don't think their going to give up 500 yards like they did in the spring game, best to just not pay attention to it

WolvinLA2

May 7th, 2010 at 6:56 PM ^

We don't have a ton of experienced depth like we have in past years, but if our guys stay healthy (I'm looking at you, Molk) we will have one of the better, if not best, O lines in the conference.  

WolvinLA2

May 7th, 2010 at 8:58 PM ^

If MSU has a mediocre or below OL, we should beat them.  They don't have enough other weapons on O to really make up for a bad OL, and if Cousins is pressured heavily and they aren't getting much done on the ground, our secondary should be good enough to get the job done.  

If they have unpredictable play calling and time for Cousins to throw, I'm not sure our secondary will be able to keep up.  But if Cousins is rushed, we thwart their run game and they play much of the game from behind (because our offense will be so good) our secondary will be good enough to stop drives.

mgovictors23

May 8th, 2010 at 9:03 AM ^

I would put Wisconsin and the top then Ohio State and maybe us if our young guys step up.  I think Iowa and Michigan State and Penn State are in the middle because they all lost a lot of starters. Then you have a combination of Indiana, Purdue, Illinios, and Northwestern at the bottom.

Pea-Tear Gryphon

May 8th, 2010 at 9:34 AM ^

MSU - You stupid cow college, low intellect, thugs

OSU - Your redneck fans and cooler pooping idiots make hating you easy

Wiscy - Go eat some more cheesy brats you fat, ugly troglodytes

PSU - Your corch is old and can't control his bowels during games, and you dance to shitty music at tailgates.

Now those are some offensive lines...