2010 FBS Positional Analysis: Offensive Linemen

NCAA Football Betting Lines

07/14/2010 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - They handle all the heavy lifting, do all the dirty work in the trenches and keep the skill position players in the headlines, often times sacrificing their own stardom in the process. It takes a certain mindset to play up front on the offensive line and the following list is the best of the bunch heading into the 2010 campaign.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

GABE CARIMI, WISCONSIN

This 6-foot-7, 315-pound Badger may be the top NFL-ready lineman in the college ranks. He possesses plenty of size and potential, and has earned some All-American accolades in all three of his seasons with the Badgers. Carimi holds down the left tackle spot on the Big Ten's top offensive team. Wisconsin has its sights set on a conference crown this year and Carimi is just one of the extremely talented players who could end up delivering just that to the Badger faithful in 2010.

ANTHONY CASTONZO, BOSTON COLLEGE

The Eagles just know how to cultivate talent up front and this year will be no different, headlined by the play of this 6-7, 295-pound senior. Castonzo became the first freshman (2007) to start on the BC offensive line in 10 years and has improved ever since, having started all 41 games of his career, including the last two seasons at left tackle. He is proficient in both running and passing situations and always seems be in the right place. BC may not be ready to claim the ACC title this year, but it won't be because Castonzo fails to dominate.

MATT REYNOLDS, BYU

A mountain of a man at the left tackle position and heads into his junior year in Provo with his sights set on First-Team All-American honors. The 6-6, 330- pounder made an immediate impact as a freshman, starting all 13 games at left tackle before being named a Freshman All-American. Once again, he anchored the BYU offensive line as a sophomore in 2009, starting all 13 games while earning All-Mountain West Conference First-Team honors. BYU once again has a shot at the MWC crown in 2010 and Reynolds is the type of player who could give the Cougars the edge when all is said and done.

JARVIS JONES, OKLAHOMA

He will take over as the focal point of the Sooners' offensive line this year and will be charged with protecting talented sophomore QB Landry Jones. The 6-7, 305-pounder is compared favorably to some of Oklahoma's recent standouts and may evolve into one of its most dominating players. Head coach Bob Stoops always seems to raise the level of play up front in Norman and there is no reason to believe that will change in 2010, especially if Jones lives up to his potential. After a down year in 2009, expect OU to again be in the hunt for the Big 12 title.

LEE ZIEMBA, AUBURN

A model of consistency at Auburn since he arrived on campus, he has started every game since his freshman season (All-American honors in 2007), a string of 38 consecutive games entering 2010. The 6-8, 319-pound Tiger was a Second- Team All-SEC selection in 2009, recording 67 knockdown blocks. Ziemba has seen and done it all at Auburn, and although the Tigers will probably again fall short of an SEC crown, Ziemba should receive plenty of postseason accolades when all is said and done.

OTHERS TO KEEP AN EYE ONE: Nate Solder, Colorado, Joseph Barksdale (LSU), Marcus Cannon (TCU), Nate Potter (Boise State), Jason Pinkston (Pittsburgh).

OFFENSIVE GUARDS

RODNEY HUDSON, FLORIDA STATE

Regarded as the top interior lineman in the game and for good reason. Hudson is the anchor for an offensive line that brings back all five starters to Tallahassee in 2010. Hudson could become the first linemen in ACC history to garner all-conference honors in four consecutive seasons. In a season of change at FSU (no Bobby Bowden), expect the offensive line to provide a safety blanket for QB Christian Ponder, as he looks to lead the Seminoles back to ACC glory.

MIKE POUNCEY, FLORIDA

Twin brother of first-round NFL draft pick Maurkice Pouncey, this senior Gator may just join his brother next year as a first-round selection. The 6-4, 310- pounder earned Second-Team All-American honors in 2009, while being named an All-SEC First-Team member. An extremely durable player, Pouncey has started 29 consecutive games. He has the ability to move to the middle and handle the center duties if need be. It is the post-Tebow era at UF and although the team may take a step back from the last few seasons, this is still a program chock-full of blue-chippers. Pouncey is certainly one of them.

JUSTIN BOREN, OHIO STATE

Considered a traitor in some parts of Big Ten country, as he transferred from Michigan to Ohio State, sitting out the 2008 season as a result. The Wolverines' loss has been the Buckeyes' gain, however, as Boren has evolved into one of the better interior linemen in the game. The 6-3, 320-pounder is a "road grader" who plays with a great deal of nastiness. The Buckeyes will remain among the Big Ten elite in 2010, especially if Boren and company can dominate up front.

JOHN MOFFITT, WISCONSIN

Moffitt started six games as a freshman in 2007 and has never looked back, starting 23 games over the last two seasons, including 10 in 2009. Two of those starts came at center. A First-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2009, the 6-5, 323-pounder is poised for a big 2010 and could garner All- American status in the process. Moffitt knows his role within the Wisconsin offense, which has a chance to exceed last year's Big Ten-leading numbers. The Badgers could play for a national title this year, and stellar play up front could be the key.

ORLANDO FRANKLIN, MIAMI-FLORIDA

He was only an All-ACC Honorable Mention selection in 2009, but Franklin could be ready to emerge as one of the ACC's better interior lineman in 2010. He started 11 games at left guard as a junior, moving to left tackle for the season finale. At 6-7, 318 pounds, Franklin certainly has the size to be a factor anywhere on the offensive line. He has plenty of experience, having played in all 12 games as a freshman in 2007. Franklin has steadily improved each year and if the Hurricanes are to make a move in the ACC, his play along the offensive line will definitely be a factor.

OTHERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Stephen Good (Oklahoma), Stephen Schilling (Michigan), Andrew Jackson (Fresno State), Zach Hurt (Connecticut), John Bender (Nevada).

CENTERS

STEFAN WISNIEWSKI, PENN STATE

Possesses one of the top pedigrees in the college game, as his father played four seasons in the NFL and uncle Steve was an eight-time Pro-Bowler for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. Stefan has followed in his family's footsteps, carving out his own niche in Happy Valley and is regarded as the top center in the country entering his senior season, garnering All-American accolades each of the last two seasons. The 6-3, 297-pounder moved to the middle prior to his junior year and flourished in his new role. The Nittany Lions will again have a strong running game in 2010 and with Wisniewski spearheading the attack, PSU will make things very interesting in the Big Ten.

KRISTOFER ODOWD, USC

O'Dowd came into the 2009 as the top center in the country, but a dislocated knee cap prior to the season opener derailed his season. He did see action in eight games, was hampered by injuries the entire year and never really got going. A First-Team All-Pac-10 selection in 2008, the 6-5, 300-pounder is poised to regain his form in 2010. The Trojans will not participate in the postseason, but that shouldn't stop O'Dowd from proving to the NFL that he is one of the very best at his position.

MICHAEL BREWSTER, OHIO STATE

Burst on the scene in Columbus as a freshman in 2008 due to an injury suffered by the incumbent starter, earning Freshman All-American honors with 10 starts. The 6-5, 293-pounder continued the maturation process in 2009. The Buckeyes are going to once again vie for the Big Ten title and it all starts up front for OSU. A talented offensive line will be anchored by Brewster, who certainly has a bright future if he continues the course.

BEN JONES, GEORGIA

Another pivot who made an immediate impact, Jones (6-3, 300) started 10 games at the center position as a freshman in 2008, garnering all-conference honors. Jones stepped up his play as a sophomore in 2009 and was tabbed an All-SEC Second-Team member, starting all 13 games for the Bulldogs. A gritty and determined player, Jones is now a veteran presence up front for Georgia, which would like nothing better than to be mentioned among the SEC elite once again.

COLIN BAXTER, ARIZONA

A Second-Team All-Pac-10 selection in 2009, Baxter (6-4, 295) has started 37 games in Tucson, earning all-conference honorable mention honors in 2008 and Freshman All-American honors in 2007. He will anchor Arizona's offensive line in 2010, and although the Wildcats are probably not a top conference contender, expect Baxter to do his part in making Arizona a competitive team week-in and week-out.

OTHERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON: Dan Wegner (Notre Dame), Ryan McMahon (Florida State), Zane Taylor (Utah), Ben Bojicic (Bowling Green), Jake Kirkpatrick (TCU).

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Online Sportsbook Football Betting

The NFL preseason is approaching. Time for players, coaches and teams to turn over a new leaf. General managers have hired some new coaches, while coaches have added some offensive and defensive assistants to try and improve things. Here’s a look at some changes to look for in the preseason.

New York Jets: The Jets were one of the surprise teams in the NFL last season, making the playoffs under hard-driving first-year coach Eric Mangini. Mangini rebuilt the offensive line with rookies D'Brickashaw Ferguson (the No. 4 pick in the 2007 Draft) and Ohio State center (the 29th pick in the first round). This season he upgraded the defense with rookie linebacker David Harris (Michigan) while the secondary picked up a much needed top-notch corner in Pitt CB Darrelle Revis (No. 14 overall).

The Jets have added balance to the offense for QB Chad Pennington with RB Thomas Jones, essentially stolen from the Bears. He will upgrade a New York ground game that was 20th in rushing with a weak 3.5 yards per carry. They have their first true feature back since Curtis Martin. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer prefers ball control, like his father Marty. In preseason, behind Pennington you’ll see second-year QB Kellen Clemens and mobile newcomer QB Marques Tuiasosopo.

Jacksonville Jaguars: The heat is on Jack Del Rio in Jacksonville as the Jaguars flopped last season despite a ton of talent. Keep in mind that under Del Rio the Jaguars have been outstanding in preseason with a 12-4 SU, 11-5 ATS August mark. online football betting Their defense is loaded, it’s the offense that has been stuck in first gear the last few years.

Enter a new offensive coordinator in Dirk Koetter, the former Boise State and Arizona State pass-happy coach. He will try and upgrade a passing game that ranked 24th last season. Del Rio has criticized wide receivers and Matt Jones this summer, both of whom have battled injuries. It will be interesting to watch the “new” Jaguars passing game in preseason.

Arizona Cardinals: Word out of Arizona is that the players like new coach Ken Whisenhunt, who was the Steelers offensive coordinator last year. We think of Arizona as all-passing because their running game has been awful of late because of a poor offensive line. However, keep an eye on the running game in preseason as they’ve made a lot of changes.

The new coach brings in Russ Grimm to coach the offensive line (Grimm did a marvelous job building the Steelers line). They took Penn State OT Levi Jones in the first round and signed two offensive linemen, Mike Gandy and Al Johnson, to provide depth. Reggie Wells was moved from right tackle to left guard and they want more speed out of the offensive line for pulling and traps, a Pittsburgh staple under Bill Cowher.

Atlanta Falcons: While all the attention has been focused on QB Mike Vick’s off-field problems, new coach Bobby Petrino is revamping the Falcons from an all-running team to a more balanced one. Petrino likes the experience of backup QB Joey Harrington and he has veteran backup Chris Redman, who used to play for Petrino at Louisville and knows his offenses better than anyone. Petrino wants Vick to be more of a pocket passer.

The addition of FB Ovie Mughelli is a sign Petrino wants a power rushing attack behind a physical fullback and newcomer WR Joe Horn should upgrade what was a below average wideout corps. Petrino is changing their old zone-blocking scheme to a more traditional in-line blocking scheme and the offensive line is bigger. Rookie DE Jamaal Anderson was grabbed in the first round and the secondary got younger with former Auburn cornerback David Irons, who the Falcons think was a steal as a sixth-round pick.

Cleveland Browns: The 2007 Browns look like a double-edged sword. There was the excitement of the offseason, trading for RB Jamel Lewis, upgrading the offensive line with Wisconsin’s Joe Thomas (the No. 2 pick in the draft) and free agent LG Eric Steinbach, then trading for Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn when he fell to No. 22. GM Phil Savage and head coach Romeo Crennel feel they have a talented, balanced offense with these new pieces, plus TE >Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards.

However, were these moves made in desperation? And were they foolish ones? The Browns gave up their 2008 first-round pick for Quinn and we all know QBs take time to develop. And even first-round QBs can be busts (Joey Harrington, Akili Smith). We also don’t know if the offensive line is that much improved (31st in rushing in 2007) and they did nothing to improve a defense that was awful against the run (142 yds pg allowed).

The Browns have a new offensive coordinator in Rob Chudzinski. This is a young offense and Quinn looked tentative, indecisive and inaccurate early in camp. Crennel will play Charlie Frye, Quinn and Derek Anderson in preseason. And there is a mixed bag for rookie QBs receiving significant starts: Tim Couch (14), Kerry Collins (13), Ben Roethlisberger (13), Vince Young (13), Joey Harrington (12), Matt Leinart (11) and Kyle Boller (nine). While all the focus will be on the Browns new-look offense, I’m more concerned with the defense.

Carolina Panthers: Coach Jon Fox loves the ground game, but Carolina has made some interesting changes for 2007. Fox fired offensive coordinator Dan Henning and brings in Jeff Davidson to run the offense. Davidson has brought in zone-blocking schemes to the Panther offense, a dramatic change for a system that's been built around a power-running style.

In zone-blocking, offensive linemen are responsible for blocking any defender who appears in their zone, instead of focusing on one defender. The Broncos and Falcons have had success with the system, which features smaller, more athletic offensive linemen and can create running lanes on the inside and outside. Keep an eye in preseason on how Carolina adjusts as it will take time to learn the system. Fox has been one of the top coaches in preseason, with a 15-5 SU, 12-7-1 ATS August record.

Dallas Cowboys: WR Terrell Owens is still here, but QB Drew Bledsoe and Bill Parcells are gone. New head coach Wade Phillips takes over, replacing Parcells. He ran the Chargers defense last season. Phillips was chosen by teary-eyed owner Jerry Jones partly because he is one of the best 3-4 coaches in football and the Cowboys have loaded up on players for that scheme.

Remember that Phillips was blitz-happy with the Chargers last season and early reports out of the Dallas camp have mentioned how the Cowboys have been blitzing a lot, a departure from Parcells. The theme of the 2007 Dallas defense appears to be one of attack.

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Big 12 Conference betting odds

Work left to do: Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Kansas State

Texas joins Texas A&M and Kansas as locks after getting league win No. 11. Texas Tech greatly helped its own hopes and crippled OK State's with the two-point win Saturday. Is K-State the last reasonable hopeful? Could be an elimination match in Stillwater on Tuesday, at least for the Cowboys.

Work left to do:

Texas Tech [18-11 (7-7), RPI: 44, SOS: 12] A critical two-point win over OK State leaves the Red Raiders with Baylor and at Iowa State left. Get both and the Red Raiders likely are good to go. Get one and there could be some interesting comparisons with a K-State team that could finish two or three games "ahead" of them in the standings but doesn't have any of the quality wins Texas Tech has. Not a lot in nonconference play (against Arkansas in Little Rock being the best win, by far) to lean on.

Oklahoma State [18-9 (5-8), RPI: 50, SOS: 35] Still without a road win, the Cowboys now need to win two on the road just to get to .500 in conference play. It's hard to recall a team (OK, other than Clemson) falling so precipitously from lock status to almost certainly out of the NCAAs at this point. There are wins to be had in the last three, including a very big home game against K-State on Tuesday, but this team is reeling. Can you tell the pressure to win is getting to them with the way the final possession played out at Texas Tech? There are some good nonconference performances to lean on, specifically beating Missouri State and Syracuse on neutral floors and Pitt in OK City, but if the Pokes don't right this very, very soon, that won't be enough.

Kansas State [20-9 (9-5), RPI: 56, SOS: 96] It pays to be in the Big 12 North. The nine league wins are Colorado (twice), Missouri (twice), Iowa State (twice), Baylor, Nebraska and (a good one against) Texas. That helps explain the middling computer profile. The win over USC is nice, but the nonconference leaves a lot to be desired. The game at OK State in Stillwater on Tuesday is huge, as it could KO the Cowboys and leave K-State with a home date against Oklahoma with which to work.