2008 Woodie Awards
Hartline, Tunney protect backfield
Offensive line gives LeFevour, tailbacks time, room to run
By: Brian Manzullo
Issue date: 10/17/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
Eric Tunney and Andrew Hartline have yet to receive much praise for their protection of quarterback Dan LeFevour.
But coach Butch Jones said the offensive line has been the biggest factor in CMU's turnaround the past few weeks.
The unit has not allowed a sack to LeFevour in two consecutive weeks. It also has allowed LeFevour and the offense to pile up 140 points and 1,467 yards in the Chippewas' last three wins against Northern Illinois, Ball State and Army.
"It's a great security blanket," Jones said. "The quarterback can get back there, get his feet set and he knows he's going to have ample time to throw the ball."
LeFevour is a combined 60-for-77 in the last two weeks, throwing for seven touchdowns and running for five more. He said after Saturday's win against Army that his success starts up front with the offensive line's play.
Hartline, a junior left tackle, said the unit is done giving up sacks for this season.
"Our standards are very high," he said. "We don't want to give up any sacks. We've dedicated a lot of work into protecting Dan."
The offensive line allowed seven sacks in CMU's three losses, while giving up none in three of the team's four wins.
Jones said the early struggles in protection were a result of shuffling players through the line.
"The offensive line is different from any other position," he said. "It takes continuity and guys have to trust guys. They've got to know they're going to be in different spots. There's a lot that goes into it."
Hartline, freshman center Colin Miller, senior right guard Eric Tunney and junior right tackle Greg Wojt have started together since CMU's 52-31 win over Toledo.
Freshman guard Jeff Maddux took over at left guard two weeks ago after senior Mike Decker, the team's starter since the beginning of the season, suffered a knee injury.
Hartline said all five linemen have to work together for a common purpose.
"If one of us breaks down, the whole protection goes down," he said.
Helping the cause
Sophomore running back Marcel Archer also has been critical in blocking for the offense.
Archer originally was a backup to junior tailback Ontario Sneed last season, rushing for a team-high seven touchdowns.
But this year, switching to fullback has given him a different role.
"Most running backs want to carry the ball," Jones said. "I think it shows his unselfish attitude of doing whatever it takes, even if it means blocking a 225-pound linebacker."
Archer said the transition wasn't difficult - he played fullback in high school and blocked last season at tailback.
"As long as we protect Dan, it's going to give him a chance to pick apart the defense," Archer said.
bmanzullo@cm-life.com
But coach Butch Jones said the offensive line has been the biggest factor in CMU's turnaround the past few weeks.
The unit has not allowed a sack to LeFevour in two consecutive weeks. It also has allowed LeFevour and the offense to pile up 140 points and 1,467 yards in the Chippewas' last three wins against Northern Illinois, Ball State and Army.
"It's a great security blanket," Jones said. "The quarterback can get back there, get his feet set and he knows he's going to have ample time to throw the ball."
LeFevour is a combined 60-for-77 in the last two weeks, throwing for seven touchdowns and running for five more. He said after Saturday's win against Army that his success starts up front with the offensive line's play.
Hartline, a junior left tackle, said the unit is done giving up sacks for this season.
"Our standards are very high," he said. "We don't want to give up any sacks. We've dedicated a lot of work into protecting Dan."
The offensive line allowed seven sacks in CMU's three losses, while giving up none in three of the team's four wins.
Jones said the early struggles in protection were a result of shuffling players through the line.
"The offensive line is different from any other position," he said. "It takes continuity and guys have to trust guys. They've got to know they're going to be in different spots. There's a lot that goes into it."
Hartline, freshman center Colin Miller, senior right guard Eric Tunney and junior right tackle Greg Wojt have started together since CMU's 52-31 win over Toledo.
Freshman guard Jeff Maddux took over at left guard two weeks ago after senior Mike Decker, the team's starter since the beginning of the season, suffered a knee injury.
Hartline said all five linemen have to work together for a common purpose.
"If one of us breaks down, the whole protection goes down," he said.
Helping the cause
Sophomore running back Marcel Archer also has been critical in blocking for the offense.
Archer originally was a backup to junior tailback Ontario Sneed last season, rushing for a team-high seven touchdowns.
But this year, switching to fullback has given him a different role.
"Most running backs want to carry the ball," Jones said. "I think it shows his unselfish attitude of doing whatever it takes, even if it means blocking a 225-pound linebacker."
Archer said the transition wasn't difficult - he played fullback in high school and blocked last season at tailback.
"As long as we protect Dan, it's going to give him a chance to pick apart the defense," Archer said.
bmanzullo@cm-life.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Anders Hill
posted 10/17/07 @ 5:31 PM EST
Ho BUBS!
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