Mike Cavanaugh doesn't read many media reports on the Nebraska football team, nor does he watch much sports news on television. "I just have to do my job, and we've got to do our job," the third-year Husker offensive line coach said Thursday. If he did pay close attention to media, he'd know that many folks are saying that for Nebraska to have any chance of capturing the Big Ten West Division, offensive line play will have to improve markedly over last season. So, yes, there's some pressure on Cavanaugh's crew. Bring it on, he says. "Absolutely," he said. "It's got to be on our shoulders. It starts up front. We're the engine." He thinks his linemen -- he has five who started at least four games last season -- are ready to respond to 2016's struggles.

Nebraska finished 90th nationally in total offense, and just 73rd in rushing. "That's the pride," he said. "I mean, this is Nebraska, right? It's got to start up front. We've just got to keep working. Keep working." Protecting Lee: Nebraska's offense continues to build around the pro-style talents of Tanner Lee.

That includes the offensive line adjusting from blocking for a scrambler in Tommy Armstrong to blocking for a true drop-back passer. Armstrong's feet helped the Huskers avoid several sacks last year. But Husker offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf sees some advantages in Lee, too. "He's got good footwork," Langsdorf said. "He's not too deep or too shallow in the pocket. The line knowing exactly where he's going to be is a huge deal. They want to protect that launch-point spot. "I think good footwork by the quarterback will help the protection, along with getting rid of the ball quickly."

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  • 34259904?profile=original

    You want some inside information on the Husker Line.

    Listen to the Segment with Gary Sharp and Matt Vrzal, Matt played O-line for the Huskers in the 90s, originally from Grand Island and owns a Pizza joint in Omaha

    Lots of good information about the O-line. The Young pups are looking good.

    Talk about Cole Conrad and how he is making the RIGHT calls at center.

    Plus how quickly all the QBs are getting the ball at this year. That makes a great difference for QB protection if the ball gets out quicker

    Listen to Seg #2, GETTING IN LINE!!!

    Let me know what you think!!!

    Go Big Red!

    Seg #2 Getting in Line

  • 34259900?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024Stoltenberg regards NU defense's struggles last season as powerful ...

    Here is the link to the actually Article, LJS, aka Stephen Sipple

  • The Oline has one senior (Knevel) and the rest of the starters are seasoned Sophomores and Juniors, this Oline is the deepest it has been since the 2007/2008 timeframe, this year they should be able to put a quality lineman in for anyone that is only playing at 70% like last year.  I see the rushing productivity doubling from last year and with better execution in blocking the screen pass will be come a formidable weapon during Big Ten play.

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