2007 CFN Preview - Unit Rankings ... O Line

CFN 2007 Preview Unit Rankings - Offensive Line Ranked 1 to 119

2007 CFN Unit Rankings

Offensive Lines

CFN 2007 Unit Rankings
2007 Preview | Offenses | Quarterbacks | Running Backs
Receivers | Defenses | Defensive Lines
Linebackers | Secondaries | Special Teams  

1. Oklahoma
A major concern going into last year eventually turned into a phenomenal strength. Even with injuries and a little bit of shuffling, the line was killing defenses over the second half of last year. Now it's even better with what might be the best line in the Bob Stoops era. Obviously, he's had some decent ones over the years. Size, depth, athleticism, NFL skill, options, rising prospect, reliable veterans, this group has it all.

2. USC
Sure, there’ll be mild growing pains with two new starters, but if Drew Radovich and Jeff Byers can remain healthy and play up to their potential, any drop-off from last year will be subtle.  It helps that the Trojans won’t see a top-flight defensive line until the second half of the year. The anchor of the front wall will be senior left tackle Sam Baker, a two-time All-American and arguably the most complete lineman in the country this season.  Entering his fourth year as the starter, he’s the total package, a top pass protector and improving run blocker, who’ll begin the 2007 season in the best shape of his career.

3. Georgia Tech
If it's true that a veteran offensive line is the true key to a good team, than Tech should be fantastic. Pass protection will be a bit more of a premium without the mobile Reggie Ball under center anymore, but this group should be able to handle it. Getting the backups, especially on the inside, more meaningful work would be a big help going into next year. There isn't a lot of star power outside of Andrew Gardner, but there's so much experience, so much returning production and so much good depth that anything less than a big year will be a huge disappointment.

4. Ohio State
The Buckeye offensive line was overrated in past seasons, but not last year. Did you notice how much time Troy Smith had to throw on just about every play? You could've stood back there and waited for Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez to break open with the time the tackles provided. Yes, they were overwhelmed by Florida's speedy defensive front, but that was hardly the team's biggest problem in that game. There are three potential first round draft picks and a good anchor in Cordle to work around for the next several years.

5. Wisconsin
The left tackle situation, after losing Joe Thomas, will be more than fine with the combination of Jake Bscherer and Gabe Carimi getting the job done. Overrated throughout last year, the line will live up to its billing going into this year. Loaded with all-star candidates, and good backups ready to breakthrough, this is the strongest Badger line in several years.

6. Texas A&M
As long as injuries don't strike early on and the backups are allowed time to develop and see playing time, the line should be dominant. It's good in pass protection, great in the running game, and very experienced. It could stand to be a bit more consistent against the top teams, and this year, it should be.

7. Rutgers
Considering the job line coach Kyle Flood has done the last two years, he has more than enough returning talent in 2007 to whip this gang into a cohesive unit.  The Scarlet Knights will run and pass block equally well this fall, even if the underbelly is a little softer than it was a year ago. With Pedro Sosa and Jeremy Zuttah sealing off the edge, good luck getting pressure on Teel from the outside.  If opposing defenses want to disrupt the Scarlet Knight quarterback, they better be equipped with defensive tackles that can get penetration right up the gut.

8. Oregon State
The talent and experience is in place for Oregon State to be one of the Pac-10’s most dominant offensive lines.  Now they’ve got to go out and prove it against the league’s blue bloods later this year. The Beavers have a meat-and-potatoes crew that’s at its best when it lines up and simply jams the ball down the throat of opposing defenses. Yvenson Bernard is a quality back, but he wouldn’t be as effective running behind an ordinary line.

9. California
Cal does about as good a job as anyone coaching up its offensive linemen.  The line must replace Andrew Cameron and Erik Robertson, but does return three starters from one of 2006’s top units in the country.  Leading the way is junior Alex Mack, a first team All-Pac-10 selection and one of the premier centers in the country.  With Mack and Mike Gibson again playing like all-leaguers, the retooled line will mesh quickly, giving Nate Longshore and the backs the time and holes needed to make plays.

10. Boise State
The line is going to be a killer as is, but it could be truly special if Pete Cavender is 100%. Lucariello's knee injury threw a wrench into the overall plans, but this is still the WAC's best line and there isn't even a remotely close second. However, there can't be any more major injuries. This isn't just an overachieving group that happens to be good because it plays in the WAC; this line can beat up anyone. With four returning starters, there's no reason to expect a slip from last year.

11	Michigan
12	Florida
13	Missouri
14	Louisville
15	LSU
16	Maryland
17	Penn State
18	Vanderbilt
19	Arizona State
20	BYU
21	West Virginia
22	TCU
23	Wake Forest
24	Purdue
25	Texas
26	Utah
27	Arkansas
28	Oklahoma State
29	Tennessee
30	Georgia
31	UCLA
32	Minnesota
33	Fresno State
34	Alabama
35	Pitt
36	Virginia Tech
37	Nebraska
38	Oregon
39	Miami
40	Washington
41	Notre Dame
42	Illinois
43	Clemson
44	Northwestern
45	Boston College
46	Arizona
47	Michigan State
48	Mississippi
49	Virginia
50	Texas Tech
51	Washington State
52	Florida State
53	NC State
54	Colorado
55	Iowa
56	South Florida
57	Kansas
58	Mississippi State
59	North Carolina
60	Auburn
61	Western Michigan
62	Hawaii
63	Syracuse
64	Stanford
65	New Mexico
66	Central Michigan
67	Iowa State
68	South Carolina
69	Nevada
70	Indiana
71	Cincinnati
72	Duke
73	Houston
74	Baylor
75	Marshall
76	Kansas State
77	Northern Illinois
78	Southern Miss
79	Toledo
80	UCF
81	Bowling Green
82	Ohio
83	New Mexico State
84	Kentucky
85	Colorado State
86	Wyoming
87	Memphis
88	UNLV
89	San Diego State
90	Ball State
91	Louisiana Tech
92	Connecticut
93	San Jose State
94	SMU
95	Miami Univ.
96	UL Monroe
97	Air Force
98	Navy
99	Rice
100	UTEP
101	Akron
102	East Carolina
103	Tulsa
104	Utah State
105	Kent State
106	Middle Tennessee
107	UL Lafayette
108	Tulane
109	Arkansas State
110	Troy
111	UAB
112	Temple
113	Idaho
114	FIU
115	Eastern Michigan
116	Florida Atlantic
117	North Texas
118	Army
119	Buffalo