Nebraska Walking A Fine Line This Year Offensive Line Has Offset Huskers’ Backfield Problems
While second-ranked Nebraska struggles to find healthy tailbacks to join freshman Ahman Green at practice, the Cornhuskers offensive line continues to chew up opposing defenses.
Despite three starting tailbacks in four games, the line has provided the room to roll up nearly 700 yards and nearly 60 points a game.
Green was the only healthy tailback to make it all the way through Monday’s practice in preparation for Saturday’s 11 a.m. game against Washington State. Damon Benning sprained an ankle against Pacific when he filled in for third-game starter Clinton Childs, who is out with a sprained knee. James Sims has been slowed by a sore back.
Season starter Lawrence Phillips remains suspended after an assault on his former girlfriend. Still, the offensive line marches on.
“The offensive line is a source of inspiration for me and a lot of us coaches,” Nebraska defensive coordinator Charlie McBride said. “Right now, they don’t know they’re good. They just play. But I think they look pretty good to me.”
No small part of the Nebraska offensive rally has been the play of offensive tackles Eric Anderson, Chris Dishman and Adam Treu.
“Those three are playing as well as any three tackles we’ve ever had,” Nebraska coach Tom Osborne said. “A year ago, I didn’t think I’d be able to say that. They have done a very good job every game. And Adam Treu may be the most pleasant surprise of the group. He is the quickest of the three and he gets places other linemen don’t get to.
“And the impressive thing about him is that two years ago, we weren’t sure if he was going to cut the mustard,” he said.
Treu was recruited by Nebraska to walk on with the promise of a scholarship in a year. He paid his way through a redshirt year and then was given the grant.
Typically, Treu replaces Anderson after two series, then moves to the left tackle spot and replaces Dishman for two series.
“It’s about equal on the left and right,” Treu said. “The only difference for me is that on the left side, I put my left hand on the ground. The blocking schemes are pretty much the same and the job is always the same. I like it.”
Treu also is the backup snapper on punts and place kicks.
This week against WSU, the Ne braska offense will get its toughest test of the season. Washington State has the No. 4 rush defense in the NCAA and has not allowed a rushing touchdown all season.
“That’s a good challenge for us,” Treu said. “I didn’t know they were that good until the coaches told us today. We have to make sure they aren’t rated that high on rushing defense after our game. That’s the kind of challenge that will get us all going this week.”