1. #1
    Hman
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    Which Programs Have The Best Offensive Lines For 2018?

    Which programs have the best offensive lines for 2018?

    Phil Steele
    ESPN INSIDER

    Editor's note: This article was adapted from Phil Steele's college football preview magazine, which is available here.

    Which programs will have the best offensive lines in 2018? Our top 15 starts with Wisconsin, where the Badgers' OL helped Jonathan Taylor to a big season.


    Here are the top 15.

    1. Wisconsin Badgers
    The Badgers are synonymous with mauling offensive lines, and this season will be no different. In 2017, Wisconsin produced four All-Big Ten performers who paved the way for Jonathan Taylor's 1,977-yard season. Everyone is back, totaling 150 career starts and averaging 322 pounds, led by NFL-ready guard Beau Benzschawel and tackles David Edwards and Michael Deiter.

    2. Georgia Bulldogs
    The Dawgs were vastly improved up front last year, leading the SEC with 258 rush yards per game (5.8). Losing No. 1 draft pick Isaiah Wynn leaves a hole at left tackle, but four starters (69 career starts) are back. The new anchor is Lamont Gaillard at center, and the new starter at right tackle will be either Isaiah Wilson or Cade Mays, who are both very highly touted prospects.

    3. Alabama Crimson Tide
    Recruiting ensures the Tide are perennially strong at the point of attack. Alabama returns four starters from a group that averaged 251 rush yards per game (5.7). Fierce left tackle Jonah Williams earned third-team All-America honors and could be a first-round pick in 2019. The opening at center should be filled by Ross Pierschbacher, who has 42 career starts at left guard.

    4. Stanford Cardinal
    The Cardinal blockers continue to be the unsung heroes of Heisman-contending running backs. Seven linemen with starting experience return (93 career starts), including four earning All-Pac-12 honors. Right guard Nate Herbig, 6-foot-4, 348 pounds, is on the NFL radar, while sophomore left tackle Walker Little has a very high ceiling.

    5. Oklahoma Sooners
    The Sooners' new quarterback will be well-protected in the trenches. Oklahoma brings back three All-Big 12 blockers, right tackle Bobby Evans, left guard Ben Powers and right guard Dru Samia, from an offense that led the country at 8.3 yards per play. Lineup newcomers Jonathan Alvarez and Cody Ford are also seasoned, a theme for a group with 142 career starts.

    6. Boston College Eagles
    Running back AJ Dillon is a shooting star, but he got a lot of help from his line in 2017. Every full-time starter returns from a seasoned unit (139 career starts) that sprung Dillon and ranked second in ACC sacks allowed (15). Right guard Chris Lindstrom was second-team All-ACC and gifted center Jon Baker is back after missing all but the opener due to injury.

    7. Ohio State Buckeyes
    Center Billy Price and left tackle Jamarco Jones will be missed, but the Buckeyes return four linemen with starting experience (68 career starts) and nine very highly touted prospects. Ohio State led the Big Ten in rushing last year (243 yards, 5.8 average) and allowed only 22 sacks. The left side of 6-7 offensive tackle Isaiah Prince and 6-7 guard Michael Jordan will generate NFL buzz.

    8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
    Even after losing two first-round picks, the Irish will be stout up front. Three-fifths of the starting line (65 career starts) return from a unit that helped set a single-season school record for yards per carry (6.3). The likely new starting tackles will be Liam Eichenberg and Robert Hainsey, who are both very highly touted players.

    9. USC Trojans
    USC's backfield might be young, but the offensive line is experienced with 78 career starts. Seniors Toa Lobendahn and Chuma Edoga anchor center and right tackle, respectively, with Edoga garnering NFL looks. Injuries forced Andrew Vorhees into the lineup as a true frosh, which will benefit his development in 2018.

    10. Missouri Tigers
    Every offensive line starter returns from an offense that led the rugged SEC in scoring (37.5), yards per play (7.1) and sacks allowed (13). While the unit didn't produce any all-leaguers, it has outstanding chemistry and 96 career starts return entering 2018.

    11. Maryland Terrapins
    Third-year coach D.J. Durkin will build his offense around the best line he has had in College Park. It's a salty, veteran group, featuring four seniors and a junior who have combined for 105 career starts. Tackles Damian Prince and Derwin Gray will use their final year of eligibility to improve their draft grade.

    12. Oregon Ducks
    Losing two starters won't keep the Ducks from matching last year's rush output (251, 5.2). Five offensive linemen with past starts (89 career starts combined) return, with all-league contenders in center Jake Hanson and guards Calvin Throckmorton and Shane Lemieux manning the interior. Right tackle Penei Sewell and Alabama transfer Dallas Warmack are notable additions.



    13. Washington Huskies
    The Huskies boast one of the biggest and best bookends in America, nasty Trey Adams and next-level Kaleb McGary. Each of this season's starters started at least five games in 2017 (97 career starts combined). Despite a midseason injury to Adams, Washington allowed just 20 sacks last season.

    14. Florida State Seminoles
    Willie Taggart inherits a proven line that should be vastly improved from last season. The deep unit sports 90 career starts and nine very highly touted players who'll compete for reps. At center, Alec Eberle earned second-team all-ACC, and gifted left guard Landon Dickerson will rise quickly after missing most of 2017 due to an ankle injury.

    15. Penn State Nittany Lions
    James Franklin believes this might be his best offensive line in Happy Valley. Penn State loses one starter from an offense that averaged 41.1 points per game and 460.3 yards per game. Left tackle Ryan Bates was third-team all-Big Ten, while physical center Connor McGovern is rising fast in NFL circles.

  2. #2
    BigdaddyQH
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    Washington is ranked way too low here. They should be a Top 5 group.

  3. #3
    Ralphie Halves
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    Steele doing what he always does, and takes a line like BC's, who he honestly has ranked in the 20s somewhere, and puts it ridiculously high to make things interesting.

    Disingenuous and stupid.

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    BigdaddyQH
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ralphie Halves View Post
    Steele doing what he always does, and takes a line like BC's, who he honestly has ranked in the 20s somewhere, and puts it ridiculously high to make things interesting.

    Disingenuous and stupid.
    But so typical Steele.

  5. #5
    CFB Junkie
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    I think Oregon is going to rock on Offense this year. Now defensively that is another issue.

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    jtoler
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ralphie Halves View Post
    Steele doing what he always does, and takes a line like BC's, who he honestly has ranked in the 20s somewhere, and puts it ridiculously high to make things interesting.

    Disingenuous and stupid.
    BC always has a good OLine though, maybe they are really that good

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