College football is all about the quarterback. Think about it, Reggie Bush was the last non quarterback to win the Heisman, but in reality it was Vince Young who deserved it that year.  Terrelle Pryor is probably a one-man offense this year. He will be involved in all the big plays; passing or running, heck he might even catch a few balls. But there is no metric on what does not happen in a football game.

That is the purpose of the offensive line: to make things not happen. And it is by no means meant to be pretty. What type of things? How about:

The offensive line is a lot like the roadies who set the stage upon which U2 performs!

It may be more exciting to watch the guys with the ball, but those supposed stars of the gridiron would most likely be flat on their backs without the upfront protection of the O-line.

One of the most interesting aspects of the 2009 line is Justin Boren. Boren was recruited for and played at Michigan… back when Michigan was actually good.   He got his first real opportunity against Iowa when starting guard Rueben Riley was injured. As a true freshman, Boren started one game, and had playing time in five that year. As a sophomore he started all thirteen games; eight at center five at left guard and was awarded All Big Ten honorable mention.  After the régime change at the U of M, Boren transferred to Ohio State.

The point is: this guy can play football!

He has sat out a year due to Big Ten and NCAA transfer rules, so while he was idle for the 2008 campaign he will very likely be a starter at guard this year.  If you have questions about his ability to play after a year’s hiatus during one spring practice he had out muscled his defensive counterpart five yards down the field.

And that is one of the three offensive linemen that need to be replaced. Or is it upgraded?

Bryant Browning is a junior who started at tackle last year but may be competing for the other guard position with Jim Cordle.

Expect to see Mike Brewster snapping the ball this year as he did for the last nine games of 2008.  This includes his excellent performance protecting Todd Boeckman from the Texas Defense in the Fiesta Bowl earlier this year.

The tackle jobs should be filled by a pair of sophomores: Mike Adams and JB Shugarts. There are some other young talents who could work themselves into the lineup as well.

This is as good of a line as we have seen in recent years at Ohio State. The key is cohesiveness. If the Spring Game is any indication, these utility players will do their job quietly while the rock stars with the ball get all the glory. And yes, there will be plenty of glory to be had with this bunch.