UCLA offensive line must walk the talk against Nebraska
LOS ANGELES — For the UCLA football team to have success against Nebraska on Saturday, communication will be key.
And while it’s important for the whole team to be in lockstep, there might not be a more crucial group than the offensive line when it comes to communicating.
The offensive line has shown steady improvement as the season has progressed and found its most consistent group of five over the past several games.
Garrett DiGiorgio and Nikki Prongos have been starting at tackle, Spencer Holstege and Josh Carlin at guard and Sam Yoon has taken over the center position.
“The continuity has been great,” Yoon said after practice Wednesday. “Coach (DeShaun) Foster always harps on, ‘Do more, do more.’ So we put in a lot of extra work. I think that’s really helping us shine right now.”
The starting five will face a daunting challenge against Nebraska’s defensive line.
The Cornhuskers rank 11th in the nation in total yards allowed per game (302) and fifth in rushing yards allowed per game (92.1).
Nebraska held No. 4 Ohio State to 285 total yards, nearly 200 less yards than its season average of 472, in last week’s 21-17 loss to the Buckeyes.
Foster said Wednesday that Nebraska’s front likes to mix it up, reiterating that the Bruins’ offensive line needs to be constantly talking in order to maintain its blocks.
“You know they just ID and diagnose and know exactly who’s blocking who, so that’s the big communication key,” Foster said. “And then when there is talent doing that too, that’s a big thing. They have two really good D-tackles … some linebackers that are experienced, so it’s just mostly going to be if we can communicate we should be good.”
For Yoon, having Carlin to his right has given the sophomore an advantage, especially in away games.
Carlin, who started at center to begin the season, is still making most of the calls on the line. He’s adept at using a silent count in hostile road environments, like the one UCLA will be facing in Lincoln.
“He’s an incredible resource, especially with the silent count going on the road,” Yoon said. “We’re talking on the line of scrimmage. He’s making a lot of the calls and it’s just been an incredible resource for me to have him next to me.”
With this particular group coming together cohesively, it allowed for quarterback Ethan Garbers to put up career bests in completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns and completion percentage in UCLA’s 35-32 win over Rutgers on Oct. 19.
But one area that is still in need of improvement is the run game.
According to Yoon, the rushing attack will continue to grow as long as the current configuration of the offensive line keeps getting more practice and game reps.
“Just keep on getting reps. Eventually, it’ll crack,” Yoon said. “We have a great group of backs back there, a very talented group of backs.”