CoachBrewMotivator
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As many of you know by now, the Gophers offensive line has been struggling against FCS and G5 competition over the past three weeks. Namely, giving up a combined 11 sacks and 24 TFLs. Of course, not all those stats can be blamed on the offensive line, and there may be other position groups (TEs, RBs, etc.) who may not be doing their part as well, but I digress.
For the most part, Junior LT Sam Schlueter has drawn much of the ire from Gopher fans, including on this site as well. I was wondering, with the Gophers having a week off before their game at Purdue (9/28), that they might switch up the offensive line. This would give them two weeks to prepare for the change, and possibly the best opportunity they have to make an adjustment before things get serious this season (perhaps they already are, considering our last three games).
Maybe a change should at least be considered, if not necessary, to improve on the almost 4 sacks / game and 8 TFL / game we've given up against "weaker" competition than the BIG will offer.
My suggestion, or thought on what a revamped line may look like.
LEFT TACKLE: Blaise Andries
I recall a few posters between here and TDG have said that Andries would be an interesting insert at Left Tackle. He moved to LT after Donnell Greene sat out the Georgia Tech game, and we all know how that went down in terms of offensive firepower. Things seemed to click well. Additionally, I went with Andries making the move to LT over moving up Dickson, because if I don't trust Schlueter, I certainly am not confident in his backup.
LEFT GUARD: Conner Olson
He played all 13 games last year at Left Guard, and while he's played most, if not all, of the offseason at Center, I think he could make the change back to Guard relatively quickly. He played Guard in high-school, too.
CENTER: John Michael-Schmitz
Currently the backup Center to Conner, Michael-Schmitz had a good camp according to some knowledgable with the Gophers, I believe Ryan Burns being one of them, and I think he could step into the Center position should Conner Olson be moved over to Guard. This is where I would be most concerned entering the BIG season, however.
RIGHT GUARD: Curtis Dunlap
RIGHT TACKLE: Daniel Faalale
I don't think the right side of the line needs adjustment. Hopefully, Daniel and Curtis can be mainstays on the right side for years to come.
Let me know if you think rotating the offensive line is an overreaction. Or, if you indeed do think a shift in the line would be a good idea, leave some suggestions / thoughts / concerns below.
For the most part, Junior LT Sam Schlueter has drawn much of the ire from Gopher fans, including on this site as well. I was wondering, with the Gophers having a week off before their game at Purdue (9/28), that they might switch up the offensive line. This would give them two weeks to prepare for the change, and possibly the best opportunity they have to make an adjustment before things get serious this season (perhaps they already are, considering our last three games).
Maybe a change should at least be considered, if not necessary, to improve on the almost 4 sacks / game and 8 TFL / game we've given up against "weaker" competition than the BIG will offer.
My suggestion, or thought on what a revamped line may look like.
LEFT TACKLE: Blaise Andries
I recall a few posters between here and TDG have said that Andries would be an interesting insert at Left Tackle. He moved to LT after Donnell Greene sat out the Georgia Tech game, and we all know how that went down in terms of offensive firepower. Things seemed to click well. Additionally, I went with Andries making the move to LT over moving up Dickson, because if I don't trust Schlueter, I certainly am not confident in his backup.
LEFT GUARD: Conner Olson
He played all 13 games last year at Left Guard, and while he's played most, if not all, of the offseason at Center, I think he could make the change back to Guard relatively quickly. He played Guard in high-school, too.
CENTER: John Michael-Schmitz
Currently the backup Center to Conner, Michael-Schmitz had a good camp according to some knowledgable with the Gophers, I believe Ryan Burns being one of them, and I think he could step into the Center position should Conner Olson be moved over to Guard. This is where I would be most concerned entering the BIG season, however.
RIGHT GUARD: Curtis Dunlap
RIGHT TACKLE: Daniel Faalale
I don't think the right side of the line needs adjustment. Hopefully, Daniel and Curtis can be mainstays on the right side for years to come.
Let me know if you think rotating the offensive line is an overreaction. Or, if you indeed do think a shift in the line would be a good idea, leave some suggestions / thoughts / concerns below.