Offensive line helps Griz survive despite team injuries

If you’re looking for superstar status on the football field, then the offensive line isn’t for you.

“I think as an offensive lineman the mentality is pretty much drilled into your head from the beginning that it’s a pretty glory-less job, and the only time you’re ever going to get noticed is if you screw up,” said University of Montana sophomore guard Colin Dow.

The Griz offensive line might not be getting all the attention, but they are certainly helping lead the way for a potent Montana offense that piled up more than 500 yards in a 31-6 win over McNeese State in the first round of the Division I-AA playoffs Saturday.

A lot of fans might not recognize it, but without the offensive line the Montana offense would be going nowhere.

“If we can’t work together and get the first step of the offense done, then everything else starts to break down exponentially,” said Dow, who was an All-Big Sky first team selection.

A good example of the offensive line’s importance has been the success of the Montana running game. After losing star running back Lex Hilliard to an injury before the season even started, the Griz have been able to continually plug in running back after running back and find success.

“We lost our starting running back (Lex Hilliard) before the season started, who’s probably the best player in our league,” said UM head coach Bobby Hauck. “We lost our second running back (Greg Coleman) in the first quarter of the second game and we still led the league in rushing yards per game. That shows you how much value the offensive line has.”

The greatest challenge the O-line has faced has been inexperience. Center Jeff Marshall is the only senior on the unit, which starts two sophomores and a freshman. Marshall said it’s been a pleasure for him to watch some of the younger guys grow and mature.

“I’m the old guy with all the playing experience, so I’ve been able to watch all the guys progress and come into their own as offensive linemen,” said Marshall, who was a second team All-Big Sky selection. “It’s been pretty rewarding.”

Still, pats on the back and congratulations have been hard to come by for this inexperienced line. Last week against McNeese State the line, and in particular junior Cody Balogh, had the daunting task of slowing down McNeese State’s defensive end Bryan Smith, who set a Cowboys record with 12.5 sacks in the regular season.

Smith, who had one sack against the Griz and was neutralized for most of the game, still was reluctant to give the line any credit.

“They weren’t the best (line) I’ve faced all year, but they were better than average,” said Smith after Saturday’s game.

The young offensive line has certainly grown a lot from the beginning of the year to now, but with the entire line coming back except Marshall, the line should only get better, especially with the expected addition of J.D. Quinn, a transfer from Oklahoma who is ineligible to play this season, to next year’s team.

“The way you get to be a great offensive line is have veteran guys that have played together a long time,” Hauck said. “Their best days are surely in front of them.”