[Langdude]

I think it was near-unanimous that we thought the 2018 OL would be the strength of the team. So far, it appears that it has been the most under-performing unit. Pass pro has been fine for the most part, but run blocking has not been. There have been missed assignments and, frankly, a lack of push, the sort of dominance we've seen from other "great" Stanford o-lines. I know Stanford opponents have schemed to stop the run, but I can't believe that defenses did not do this last year, too, and somehow Bryce managed to make them look silly.

This reminds me of a few past years when we had tons of talent (2012? 2016?) but under-performed on the OL to start the year. I know the group has to learn to perform as a unit, and I know we were without Jesse Burkett the first two games and lost David Bright and Daniel Marx to graduation (I still think burning Marx's shirt was a really bad decision given our roster at the time), but we've lost a lot from the OL in the past and been fine. What gives?

(I also know Sarell and Hamilton were injured for UCD, but depth was supposed to be a strength, no? Especially against an FCS school?)

I am curious to hear the opinions of those on the board who have talked to coaches or reviewed the game film more than I have.

-m.

[Langdude]

I think it was near-unanimous that we thought the 2018 OL would be the strength of the team. So far, it appears that it has been the most under-performing unit. Pass pro has been fine for the most part, but run blocking has not been. There have been missed assignments and, frankly, a lack of push, the sort of dominance we've seen from other "great" Stanford o-lines. I know Stanford opponents have schemed to stop the run, but I can't believe that defenses did not do this last year, too, and somehow Bryce managed to make them look silly.

This reminds me of a few past years when we had tons of talent (2012? 2016?) but under-performed on the OL to start the year. I know the group has to learn to perform as a unit, and I know we were without Jesse Burkett the first two games and lost David Bright and Daniel Marx to graduation (I still think burning Marx's shirt was a really bad decision given our roster at the time), but we've lost a lot from the OL in the past and been fine. What gives?

(I also know Sarell and Hamilton were injured for UCD, but depth was supposed to be a strength, no? Especially against an FCS school?)

I am curious to hear the opinions of those on the board who have talked to coaches or reviewed the game film more than I have.

-m.