Line Segment: Lundblade Brings Back Stability to the Offensive Line

After one of Oklahoma State’s worst offensive line performances in recent memory versus Texas, the coaching staff welcomed back center Brad Lundblade to the lineup.  The overall performance from the offensive line was a much cleaner effort against WVU, albeit versus a less talented unit up front.

Lundblade isn’t an overpowering force, but you can tell he is the leader of the group and his presence alone makes the line more efficient. The line has more cohesion and makes less mistakes when he is in the lineup, so he is a critical piece of the offensive line’s success.

Pass protection was excellent, as West Virginia had 0 sacks and only 1 QB hurry.  The game plan seemed to include shorter drop backs and Rudolph getting the ball out quicker, meaning the line doesn’t need hold up as long. This included some much needed shorter routes from the wide receivers that could’ve been put into the game plan because of the rain or my constant whining on here about the lack of a diverse route tree. I’ll let you decide which you think it was.

Historically Oklahoma State has struggled to move the ball consistently due to the abnormal 3-3-5 look that WVU has implemented. Coming into this game I figured there would be some struggles to consistently find running room, and although OSU didn’t set any records, I was pleasantly surprised with the performance. The run game finished with 56 rushes, 246 yards and a 4.4 yards/carry average.  Those weren’t incredible yards/carry numbers, but it was enough for OSU to control the time of possession and in turn control the game.

I think Crabtree is slowly but surely looking like his old self, anyone who has ever had turf toe knows that it’s a nasty lingering injury. He showed some ability that I haven’t seen from him since early in the year. Although Johnny Wilson has played multiple positions, he looks most comfortable at right guard at this point. He had a really nice game, and was a catalyst of several successful plays from the offense. The left side of the line with Cochran and Keyes continue to be consistent, although Keyes hasn’t been quite as physical as I would’ve hoped based off tape from late last year.

Observations from film

1.This isn’t really offensive line related, but this play is blocked reasonably well. I’ve been critical of Justice Hill’s vision in the past, and this is exactly what I want to see out of him. Now that you can start to see the 1-2 combo of a front side RB (King) and cut back RB (Hill), it’s important to notate. Hill is a true cut back runner, and has the physical ability to find holes like these regularly if he can see them.

2. OSU pulled more lineman than they have in previous games, in this case they pull Aaron Cochran. This might have been due to recent struggles on reach blocks, which should make some readers on here happy. Nice awareness by Cochran to pull back on this RPO to avoid a illegal man downfield penalty. Rudolph has to find McCleskey here, he was locked in on Washington the whole time. LB sucks up and the safety drifts towards Washington = hit the middle vertical. This was a touchdown.

3. There are still plenty of examples of average run blocking. Again, this offensive line just doesn’t have that extra gear of physicality. Here Keyes isn’t able to drive back the DE. Even with a little help from Cochran, the DE is able to stand up Keyes and make a play.

4. Lundblade has to hold this block better than this, the DT sheds his block to make a play on King for a short gain.

5. (sorry for technical difficulty here with video) This is what I was referring to with Crabtree, he does a really nice job getting inside on the DE and sealing him off. Johnny Wilson and Brad Lundblade with a really nice tag team here, Wilson finishes him off and Lundblade is able to pull off at the end to get to the backer. This is good blocking.

6. If you want to know the biggest reason why the offense was able to have more success vs. WVU than they did vs. Texas, you really only need to watch this play below. It’s a modest gain of 5 yards, but this play was there to be had the entire game versus Texas. Crabtree with another really physical/aggressive block of the outside DE (DE makes a great play or this was going for 10-12 yards), and Johnny Wilson is able to get to the LB and seal inside to create a crease.

7. This play was highlighted well on the telecast and for good reason as it was a great play by both the offensive line and J.D. King.

Remember how I mentioned Wilson played a great game and looks more comfortable at right guard? He gets the chip here to help Crabtree, then gets up to the second level and just mauls the linebacker. Lundblade does an excellent job on the DT, Keyes with help and peels off to catch the backer. This is how zone blocking is supposed to work. Even the WRs getting in on the action, as both were needed for King to make it into the end zone. Pair all of that with some excellent jukes and vision from King and you have 6.

Overall it was a very nice performance from the Oklahoma State offensive line given the circumstances.