Doctors Diagnosis: Offensive Line, Nebraska vs. Iowa

Dr. Rob

While I'm always an optimist in regards to NU's offensive line, its hard to argue with the success that Iowa has had at the position over the past decade.

While some circles have touted that Iowa has replaced NU as the O-line "Pipeline", I would argue that they have always had a pretty strong history of producing NFL quality linemen going well back to the Fry era.  More recently, it’s easy to attribute their production of highly regarded lineman to the fact that under Fry they had one of the most highly esteemed O-line coaches in Ferentz. When that same guy becomes your head coach, there's probably not going to be much of a drop-off.  I think he develops players very well (see tight end to lineman example Robert Gallery--who despite arguments to the contrary is decidedly NOT an NFL bust.  You can't call him a bust

when he performs as a Pro Bowl guard in the NFL).

At the same time, I think Ferentz has ALWAYS put a huge emphasis on lineman recruiting, until recently, with the return of Pelini, more so than Nebraska.  Now, while NU did produce a handful of NFL O-linemen during the Callahan years, guys like Carl Nicks, Matt Slauson, and Lydon Murtha were

proverbial diamonds in the rough who never remotely approached their potential until they received NFL coaching after leaving NU.

Iowa seems to have put a premium effort into both the development and recruiting of their line that is matched only by the top programs in the country.  If Iowa isn't actually graduating NFL caliber players like Bulaga, they're at least producing on the field.  While I respect what Stanzi has done for the program, and the fact he's an NFL draft pick, the guy isn't exactly the second coming of Chuck Long (Brad Quast, maybe).  At the same time, look at Iowa's production out of their running game.  Outside of Shonn Greene, the Hawkeyes are in the enviable position of being able to field random grocery sackers at the running back position and still produce.  See latest bowl game for evidence.

In my mind, it's reminiscent of the Shanahan era in Denver when the Broncos were drowning in 1000 yard backs no matter who happened to be lining up behind the quarterback.  The reason for that: the best run blocking O-line in the NFL at the time.  When that line started to fade/retire/get traded, mediocrity hit the Donkeys like a ton of bricks.  Ferentz is one of the best and the brightest in the business.  He's aware as anyone is, that as long as he continues to steal the Seth Olsen’s of the world away from Nebraska, he'll always have success running the ball, and hence, winning games.

About Rob:
Former Husker Offensive Lineman
1994 Big 8 Athlete Of The Year
4th Round draft pick of the N.Y. Giants
Currently an Anesthiologist at the Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital
Smartest man I know