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O-Line is a concern

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O-Line is a concern

We have the smallest line in D1 Football. I hope we have some freshmen that can come in and play. The O-Line is too small.
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O-Line is a concern

The line is small and in-experience, but small doesn't always mean bad - there are some top teams that are retively small up front and do fine, if we depended on the run as our main source of offense then we would be in major trouble.

With Embick & Souverain in the back field this year, don't expect the same type of offense you are use to seeing from Owl football, be prepared to see something a little different. The size up front may not be that as big of a concern as the in-experience we have. The offense will have a different feel, look to see of take advantage of the scrambling abilities of our QB's, some options plays and trow in some very good backs in the back field - some are big and power runners and some are very quick make you miss type of backs.

The line however will have to get to know each other quickly and work as a unit to help out Embick and give him a chance to make things happen - team work will be critical with a "small" line up front. If we can stay away from serious injuries we will be fine by the time SBC games start, other wise it will be a long season for the offense.
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O-Line is a concern

I think we have three +300 lb'ers and a few that can hit 300 by seasons start. Hope they can play, there pictures dont make them look very intimidating. :-/
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O-Line is a concern

Just for arguement sake. Obviously we don't have the experience but interesting all the same.

Southern Cal BCS Champions

USC Tk 6-5 290
FAU Tk 6-3 280

USC Tk 6-6 300
FAU Tk 6-6 310

USC G 6-5 290
FAU G 6-5 290

USC G 6-2 305
FAU G 6-1 329

USC C 6-4 275
FAU C 6-7 270

As we can see, when it comes to O-linemen size, we're not that different from the Champs. We also have a few larger fellas who may see some time. These numbers listed above should be the starters for this season. They probably have changed since these guys hit the weights this summer.
But like most teams any type of injury to your starters can spell disaster.

The offense will be different this year. The FAU coaches are on top of it. They know how to coach to their strengths. Mobile QB's will mean moving pockets!
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O-Line is a concern

good analysis O.G., lets just hope these guys can make it happen.......its definetly a big factor that embick is able to scramble well and throw on the run, if they keep trying to push our o-line, and embick keeps making plays by scrambling, the defense will be on their heels and start playing with caution.......thats what we need to do......

"Sore Loser?!?! Tell you what, show me a Good Loser and I'll SHOW you a LOSER!!!"
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O-Line is a concern

Excellent analysis, O.G. Owl. That's reassuring. As we all know, the size of the heart also comes into play, and I trust the FAU coaching staff to identify, inspire and motivate in this regard. Does anyone know what Coach Schnellenberger really – really – thinks about this year's chances? I remember a quote from one of the coaches well into Year 2 (I think the Owls were 0-8, or something like that, at the time). The coach said something like no one on the staff had expected the Owls to run the table, but no one even remotely expected an 0-8 start. With a bit of mystery this year, it will be easier for opponents to underestimate FAU. Personally, I always would prefer to be underestimated. Still, I would like to be a fly on the wall when the coaches are talking privately….
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O-Line is a concern

These guys have nothing to loose and everything to gain. Hey throw in some heart mix it with hard work, sprinkle in some coaching and cook up a surprise for everybody.

Its funny when all the magazine were talking about the line I started looking at the top teams also and I found other teams that have a similar ratio.

It is true the first group left a hole but the ones that are there now could see what was done. They all want the what the predecessors did. More balanced groups will be graduating as the program goes on and should have big hits like last year.

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O-Line is a concern

Funny you should mention year 2 grayowl. I've compared that year to this one a few times. SEVERELY upgraded schedule with a lot youngsters and any FAU wins will be a positive. The 2002 losing streak saw a lot of tension among the fans. The defense got worn out by the 3 qtr because the offense was struggling with injuries and "who's who" this week. 3 and out was the norm. Poor Jared Allen was like a Roman soldier in the Lions Den! The players stuck together and refused to blame anyone and each other! The local press had a field day but the players stayed the course. That's coaching folks!

Coach is very upfront with his players. What you read in the papers are his feelings. He will not berate or degrade the team but he will let you know the truth about FAU chances. BUT….he definitely believes in the team too. He knew what they had in front of them two years ago. That's why the high school talent search went UP the last two years. No more year 2000 deals. Like settling for anyone who could tie their shoes without falling over. Some of these guys(starters this year) were recruited by some major colleges!! We won out.

He is also a GREAT inspirer. I've had the luxury to hear several of his speeches at halftime and at the end of games. He had me ready to dig out my old leather helmet,cleats and cotton knee pads for the next game.. :D
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O-Line is a concern

I found that the projected starters for the O-Line is as follows:

LT- Smith 6-2 250
LG- Jackson 6-3 245
C- Faulk 6-6 245
RG- Wilson 6-6 297
RT- Perkins 6-4 264

D-LINE

LE- Pinnick 6-5 215
LT- Pugh 6-2 234
RT- Fleming 6-2 276
RE- Jenkins 6-3 210


Having heart is important in football. But size does matter. If you are playing against guys who out weight you by 40-50lbs. you are going to have some problems. Especially when the guys are 6-5 300lbs athletes who run 4.7 forty-yard dashes. We need more beef on the line.

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O-Line is a concern

There's no denying the fact that we would ultimately want to be bigger up front - that will happen with time as we grow as a program, we will be able to attract those bigger lineman.

Just look at the team now, we are much bigger on both lines then last year. Include the fact that they are probably better athletes as well and the learning curve should increase for these young men, a few games against these top teams will do wonders for not only experience, but motivate the guys to play at a higher level. This is an exciting time for this team, with tremedous growth opportunities, lets not be too concerned with how many games we win, but instead how the team progress, barring any serious injuries.
I still think with the coaching staff we have, they will have these players preforming at and above their abilities - remember when people use to say that FAU was overacheiving, a great coaching staff has a way of bring the best of their team and preforming at the highest level, when a team plays together it has a way of elevating each teamates to preform at their best.

Don't be surprised if this team preforms at a higher level then the previous teams, the only bad is the schedule is much, much tougher.
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