No OL transfers troubles me.

[restovich]

I remember Mason did not say much the year Eslinger and Setterstrom came in. Just released the depth charts and said they had earned their starting positions.

 

[Gophergrandpa]

Roster today, of those who can return, shakes out as follows (reflects 2022 status):

RS Senior/Grad.: Boe, Shaw, Carroll
RS Junior: Guedet, Cooper
RS Soph.: Ersery: Lewis, Lawrence, J. Ruschmeyer (w/o)
RS Frosh: Purcell, Hunter (w/o)
Frosh: Nelson, Beers, McConnell, Alvarez
Committed: Williams, Johnson, Daniels, Tripp; Mister

That's 20 with 18 scholarships. About right. If a player or two retires or transfers (after the bowl game or spring practice), I could see PJ bringing on a transfer or two at the more mid-to-senior level. We've got plenty of young prospects from this year and last.

 

[highwayman]

Fleck Olines have always been good on the ground game. Pass protection has been weaker.

Since Fleck, the Gophers have given up 127 sacks, an average of 1.8 per game. In the last three years, 1.5 per game. This season 1.1 per game (only 13 total). They are ranked 19th in the NCAA this season.

The NCAA average is over 2 a game.

What does your statement mean?

 

[Gopher_Devil]

Since Fleck, the Gophers have given up 127 sacks, an average of 1.8 per game. In the last three years, 1.5 per game. This season 1.1 per game (only 13 total). They are ranked 19th in the NCAA this season.

The NCAA average is over 2 a game.

What does your statement mean?

You don’t think us running the ball like a service academy has anything to do with that stat?

 

[MaxyJR1]

Roster today, of those who can return, shakes out as follows (reflects 2022 status):

RS Senior/Grad.: Boe, Shaw, Carroll
RS Junior: Guedet, Cooper
RS Soph.: Ersery: Lewis, Lawrence, J. Ruschmeyer (w/o)
RS Frosh: Purcell, Hunter (w/o)
Frosh: Nelson, Beers, McConnell, Alvarez
Committed: Williams, Johnson, Daniels, Tripp

That's 19 with 17 scholarships. About right. If a player or two retires or transfers (after the bowl game or spring practice), I could see PJ bringing on a transfer or two at the more mid-to-senior level. We've got plenty of young prospects from this year and last.

Forgot Mister. 20 and 18

 

[MaxyJR1]

You don’t think us running the ball like a service academy has anything to do with that stat?

In B1G play we gave up 11 sacks in 197 passes or about 1 every 20 passes. We're not going to pass the ball 20 more times a game. Likely about 10.

We won both games giving up 3 sacks NE and WI
We lost to Pur/Ill in giving up 2 sacks
Lost at PSU giving up 1 sacks.

No sacks in IA, Rut., MSU, NW games.

I would say the pass protection was even better because when we passed the ball most often everyone knew we had to pass the ball.

 

[Word]

In B1G play we gave up 11 sacks in 197 passes or about 1 every 20 passes. We're not going to pass the ball 20 more times a game. Likely about 10.

We won both games giving up 3 sacks NE and WI
We lost to Pur/Ill in giving up 2 sacks
Lost at PSU giving up 1 sacks.

No sacks in IA, Rut., MSU, NW games.

I would say the pass protection was even better because when we passed the ball most often everyone knew we had to pass the ball.

Does NCAA track "hurries"? I feel like there were lots of those this year, even if not sacks.

 

[MaxyJR1]

Does NCAA track "hurries"? I feel like there were lots of those this year, even if not sacks.

I haven't found the stat anywhere. I tend to agree and would like to see those numbers if they have them.

 

[Gopherchase]

8 got blasted quite a few times while standing in there and delivering the ball he showed a lot of guts. Our protection this year was average, but with our opponents not respecting our passing game/wide receivers they brought a lot of blitzes.

 

[highwayman]

You don’t think us running the ball like a service academy has anything to do with that stat?

I know, it doesn't fit your narrative. Sorry that the actual statistics bother you. I get it.

Minnesota finishing in the upper half of the NCAA passing efficiency, 40 spots north of West Point and 60 spots north of Iowa doesn't matter either. I get it.

Our O-line sucks at protecting the QB because you want to say it. I get it.

 

[tjgopher]

Boe at center
Cooper/Shaw at guards
Lewis, Guedet, Ersery battle it out at tackles

That top 6 has a good blend of experience, age, and skill.

If some younger guys step up then it’s even better. Add in 1/2 late cycle OL and we could have a quality line that doesn’t have to block as hard with an explosive QB/WR/RB core.

Did you forget Quinn Carroll?

I would guess this is the starting OL vs. Nebraska in the '23 opener:

LT: Ersery
LG: Cooper or Shaw
C: Boe
RG: Lewis
RT: Carroll

There are some young guys (including the new signees), who could turn out to be big time studs. But, not quite yet.

We could make a run at an OL transfer or two after the bowl or after spring (especially if there's a sure shot starter available), but I think the current returning/arriving group is a solid one with tons of upside. I would probably not add OL transfer just for depth at this point. Has to be a legit starter wanting to transfer to bring one in.

 

[Dakota2]

Since Fleck, the Gophers have given up 127 sacks, an average of 1.8 per game. In the last three years, 1.5 per game. This season 1.1 per game (only 13 total). They are ranked 19th in the NCAA this season.

The NCAA average is over 2 a game.

What does your statement mean?

It means that Morgan, who is not mobile, was forced to throw hurriedly on many occasions to avoid the sack. A QB who can step up in the pocket or move outside the pocket does not need the line to hold their blocks quite as long.

It also means sack stats alone don't tell the entire story with respect to pass blocking. That's why they also keep track of hurries, batted balls, and throw always.

 

[Gophergrandpa]

Forgot Mister. 20 and 18

My bad. Fixed. Thanks. That is plenty of bodies. No need to hit the portal unless a couple leave the roster.

 

[Gopher_Devil]

I know, it doesn't fit your narrative. Sorry that the actual statistics bother you. I get it.

Minnesota finishing in the upper half of the NCAA passing efficiency, 40 spots north of West Point and 60 spots north of Iowa doesn't matter either. I get it.

Our O-line sucks at protecting the QB because you want to say it. I get it.

Take up your weird attitude with the guy you initially responded to.

You posted a statistic that was in dire need of context. And this new stat you provided includes two of the worst offensive teams in CFB. Iowa made history for how bad they were.

Also if you take out our first 4 games against suspect competition those efficiency metrics would change a lot.

I’m going to stop you from speaking for me to say I think our Offense did well this year. OL was great for run blocking but could improve in pass blocking, but part of that was also QB/WR play. Next year with more dynamic personnel I think we can be even better.

 

[highwayman]

It means that Morgan, who is not mobile, was forced to throw hurriedly on many occasions to avoid the sack. A QB who can step up in the pocket or move outside the pocket does not need the line to hold their blocks quite as long.

It also means sack stats alone don't tell the entire story with respect to pass blocking. That's why they also keep track of hurries, batted balls, and throw always.

So what you are saying is it has nothing to do with the line. My point exactly.

 

[highwayman]

Take up your weird attitude with the guy you initially responded to.

You posted a statistic that was in dire need of context. And this new stat you provided includes two of the worst offensive teams in CFB. Iowa made history for how bad they were.

Also if you take out our first 4 games against suspect competition those efficiency metrics would change a lot.

I’m going to stop you from speaking for me to say I think our Offense did well this year. OL was great for run blocking but could improve in pass blocking, but part of that was also QB/WR play. Next year with more dynamic personnel I think we can be even better.

So you just changed what you said to fit again fit your narrative.

 

[Panthadad2]

Regarding the pass blocking argument, both tackles could use some significant improvement according to PFF, but the other positions did pretty decent in pass blocking. The tackle pass blocking position can be tough to learn. Being put on an island against a twitchy fast defensive end or linebacker on 3rd and long is one of the toughest jobs in football, if not the toughest.



I'd also add that sometimes a sack isn't the fault of the offensive line. Running backs often miss blocks on twists and blitzes, sometimes the defense sends more defenders than there are blockers, and sometimes the QB simply holds the ball too long. Regardless, there can be improvement.

 

[MaxyJR1]

Regarding the pass blocking argument, both tackles could use some significant improvement according to PFF, but the other positions did pretty decent in pass blocking. The tackle pass blocking position can be tough to learn. Being put on an island against a twitchy fast defensive end or linebacker on 3rd and long is one of the toughest jobs in football, if not the toughest.

View attachment 22667

I'd also add that sometimes a sack isn't the fault of the offensive line. Running backs often miss blocks on twists and blitzes, sometimes the defense sends more defenders than there are blockers, and sometimes the QB simply holds the ball too long. Regardless, there can be improvement.

Good information. I think in the zone scheme we use the tackles have the toughest assignment as they often have a guy way outside in space to block and also as stated, the RB and QB plays a huge role in getting sacked in this offense.

 

[Panthadad2]

Good information. I think in the zone scheme we use the tackles have the toughest assignment as they often have a guy way outside in space to block and also as stated, the RB and QB plays a huge role in getting sacked in this offense.

I've noticed that. The defensive ends against the Gophs, especially for the right tackle, are sometimes WAY outside. That makes it tough for a big OL to get his hands on that player.

 

[Jack jones]

I once head Bear Bryant speak at a Bob Roy football clinic in downtown Minneapolis say “ offensive lineman who can drive block and then pass block are few and far between. And when you find one, let me know and I’ll recruit him”. Perhaps(including yours truly) have been to critical of our OL.

 

[Gophers_4life]

Regarding the pass blocking argument, both tackles could use some significant improvement according to PFF, but the other positions did pretty decent in pass blocking. The tackle pass blocking position can be tough to learn. Being put on an island against a twitchy fast defensive end or linebacker on 3rd and long is one of the toughest jobs in football, if not the toughest.

View attachment 22667

I'd also add that sometimes a sack isn't the fault of the offensive line. Running backs often miss blocks on twists and blitzes, sometimes the defense sends more defenders than there are blockers, and sometimes the QB simply holds the ball too long. Regardless, there can be improvement.

Or the OL does a great job, and the QB just takes a really bad angle/route to try to escape pressure and ends up running right into the guy that the OL otherwise had blocked well ... "sack" is given and thus marked against the OL. Etc. Very thankless job, which is captain obvious anyway.

 

[Gophers_4life]

Did you forget Quinn Carroll?

I would guess this is the starting OL vs. Nebraska in the '23 opener:

LT: Ersery
LG: Cooper or Shaw
C: Boe
RG: Lewis
RT: Carroll

IF Lewis can make the transition to RG, then this looks solid to me. Making that transition can be harder than it seems. (Of course, so can going the other way.)

If Carroll is better able/equipped to make that transition, then it wouldn't surprise me if they ask him to move inside so that Lewis can start training up to be the starting RT. Or like you said later in the post, maybe there is a younger guy who leaps over.


Not sure if Boe is better at C or G, but I think he can do either, as can Shaw. So whichever of those two is worse at G, I would guess they'll ask the better guy to be G and the other to be C.


There is rumor that Cooper will retire.

 

[Gophergrandpa]

In 2022, the OL went into the season with only JMS having started on a regular basis. Filiaga had some starts at Michigan and Ruschmeyer some with the Gophs. Ersery and Carroll were relative newbies at the tackles. Here’s how it ended up:

JMS: First team All American in AP and Football Writers Ass’n; second team AA Walter Camp; First team Big Ten—Coaches and Media.
Ruschmeyer: 3rd team Big Ten—Coaches and Media
Filiaga: 3rd team Big Ten—Coaches and Media
Ersery: Honorable Mention Big Ten—Coaches and Media
Carroll: Honorable Mention Big Ten—Media.

Not bad for an OL which had a lot of new every-game starters, and in a league which awarded most honors to CFP bound Michigan and OSU.

I think the Gophs have some good OL talent (pushed back a year by the entry of Filiaga and Carroll) ready for next year. Wouldn’t surprise me though if we picked up another in the portal after spring practice, if Cooper is retiring as rumored. But I think we can go with what we’ve got. Lots of depth already.

 

[Gophergrandpa]

IF Lewis can make the transition to RG, then this looks solid to me. Making that transition can be harder than it seems. (Of course, so can going the other way.)

If Carroll is better able/equipped to make that transition, then it wouldn't surprise me if they ask him to move inside so that Lewis can start training up to be the starting RT. Or like you said later in the post, maybe there is a younger guy who leaps over.


Not sure if Boe is better at C or G, but I think he can do either, as can Shaw. So whichever of those two is worse at G, I would guess they'll ask the better guy to be G and the other to be C.


There is rumor that Cooper will retire.

If we are as run oriented as in 2021, I like Carroll at tackle. If we move to more pass oriented, from what I’ve heard regarding footwork, I think I like Lewis/Guedet at RT and Carroll moving inside to RG. Of course we know nothing compared to what the coaches see for 2023.

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

Did you forget Quinn Carroll?

I would guess this is the starting OL vs. Nebraska in the '23 opener:

LT: Ersery
LG: Cooper or Shaw
C: Boe
RG: Lewis
RT: Carroll

There are some young guys (including the new signees), who could turn out to be big time studs. But, not quite yet.

We could make a run at an OL transfer or two after the bowl or after spring (especially if there's a sure shot starter available), but I think the current returning/arriving group is a solid one with tons of upside. I would probably not add OL transfer just for depth at this point. Has to be a legit starter wanting to transfer to bring one in.

I just don't see Lewis playing guard. He and Tyrell Lawrence are the biggest players on the OL and are both bigger than Ersery/Carroll. You don't typically move those guys inside.

 

[hungan1]

Next January, we will hear the rumble of OLs entering the Transfer Portal after the bowl games and the CFB championship. The portal opened on December 5th, 2022, and will close on January 18th, 2023.

Callahan and Fleck better be ready to jump into the fray.

 

[NorCalGopher]

I just don't see Lewis playing guard. He and Tyrell Lawrence are the biggest players on the OL and are both bigger than Ersery/Carroll. You don't typically move those guys inside.

I think it ends up looking something similar to this:

LT: Ersery / Guedet
LG: Shaw / Cooper
C: Boe / Shaw
RG: Carroll / Lawrence
RT: Lewis / Guedet

A few of these guys have been waiting several years for meaningful snaps. At a certain point, it's insulting for Fleck to bring in transfers to play ahead of them.

 

[The SF Rock]

Don’t underestimate what early enrollment can do. We had a HS kid start at LT from day1 for an 11-2 Georgia Bulldog team.

 

[Gophers_4life]

If we are as run oriented as in 2021, I like Carroll at tackle. If we move to more pass oriented, from what I’ve heard regarding footwork, I think I like Lewis/Guedet at RT and Carroll moving inside to RG. Of course we know nothing compared to what the coaches see for 2023.

Footwork is always important at all OL positions, of course. That said, it is "more" important for the Tackle. You really have to be on your technique game as a 300+ pounder to keep up with speedy edge rushers.

Lewis is a massive human being. Inside the phone booth, it can be a bit more of a brawl, with big boy interior DL. But there is still a lot of technique involved.

 

[Gophers_4life]

I just don't see Lewis playing guard. He and Tyrell Lawrence are the biggest players on the OL and are both bigger than Ersery/Carroll. You don't typically move those guys inside.

Depends how well he (Lewis) can bend his knees, lower his center of gravity, and punch. Taller guys who can do that, can be quite successful on the interior. But that said, when you're that tall it is that much harder.

While maybe not "appearing" as impressive, this is why I have no problem with 6'2" 6'3" type guys on the interior.