GREELEY — Alex Shapiro knows it is a thankless job being an offensive lineman.
“O-line is not really the glory position, and it is definitely the focus when things are going bad, besides the quarterback,” the Northern Colorado right guard said. “We get a lot of the blame for stuff.”
Although the Bears offensive line should receive some of the blame for the Bears’ record (2-6, 1-5 Big Sky) heading into Saturday’s game at South Dakota, it also deserves a lot of the credit for an offense that is vastly improved from a season ago.
The Bears averaged more yards per carry last season (3.5 yards to 3.2 this season) and have already allowed more sacks (23) than all of last season (19), but UNC is moving the ball more consistently and producing more points.
The Bears are averaging 27.5 points this season, up from last year’s 18.4 average.
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The Bears offensive line has reason to be satisfied, especially considering the amount of injuries that have plagued the group. UNC lost starting left guard Amal Gumbs for the season with a ruptured patellar tendon in the second game against Weber State.
Lee Barbiasz and left tackle Nick Candler have played most of the season with high ankle sprains. All but center Tim McGraw have missed at least part of a game this season, yet have played through the injuries.
Running back Andre Harris said it makes his job a lot easier knowing exactly who’s in front of him blocking.
“You started to notice tendencies that they do and which way they are going to take their guys and stuff like that,” Harris said. “You can really get a feel with those five main guys, and it helps you out a lot. It helps me as a running back a lot.”
The linemen give first-year line coach Brad Bedell most of the credit for their improvement by helping them become more physical and emphasizing the running game.
UNC coach Scott Downing has seen the improvement in his line, especially now that it’s getting healthy again. He also appreciates what a thankless job it is.
“Offensive lineman never get enough credit,” Downing said. “They always get a lot of blame if things don’t go right. People will blame them for not being able to run the ball or sacks and not enough time for the quarterback, but they don’t give them enough credit when things go well.”
Footnote. On their way to South Dakota today, the Bears will make a side trip to Downing’s old stomping grounds. The Bears will practice at the University of Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium, where Downing was once an assistant coach.
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