Ranking the Offensive Lines that the Hoosiers Will Face in 2018

Written By Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)

We continue our look at the Hoosiers’ 2018 opponents. Today we look at the big ugly’s upfront leading the offenses IU will face.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

I think I speak for most Hoosier fans when I say it’s a major relief IU doesn’t have to play Wisconsin this season. While the Badger possess the nation’s best offensive line, the Buckeye’s O-line is a close runner-up and the 2nd best front in the Big Ten. When the Hoosiers travel to Columbus, it will be extremely difficult to rush the passer or stop potential Heisman candidate J.K. Dobbins. The Buckeyes have historically ran away from the Hoosiers with a fresh offensive line and talented running backs. Despite the recent off-field issues regarding head coach Urban Meyer, this year’s Ohio State roster is supremely talented.

The offensive line returns 2-3 starters depending on who wins out at camp. The Buckeye’s will have to replace quarterback JT Barrett, who holds a number of passing records in Ohio State program history. Sophomore Dwayne Haskins will step in and many analysts believe he will be surrounded by so much talent, that Ohio State is favored to go 12-1, win the Big Ten, and return the College Football Playoff. In terms of offensive line play, the Buckeyes pose the most dangerous threat to IU. However, the same could be said about most of Ohio State’s position groups. This will unquestionably be the Hoosiers toughest task in 2018.

2. Penn State Nittany Lions

Head coach James Franklin has turned Penn State into a major powerhouse. Franklin has recruited at the most elite level in the nation along with programs like Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia and others. The Nittany Lions appear to have had a top-ten signing class each of the last several seasons. Although Penn State loses Saquon Barkley, they return senior quarterback Tracy McSorley as well as four starters on the offensive line.

The 2nd best offense in the Big Ten and top passing attack was fueled in large part by current NFL running back Saquon Barkley. Many analysts are questioning whether Trace McSorley can carry the Penn State offense without Barkley. It looks as if the Nittany Lions will have a stout offensive line to stabilize the loss of their star running back. The Penn State offense will undoubtedly be very dangerous with the level of talent and depth James Franklin and Trace McSorley have to work with. Per Bill Connolly, PSU returns five offensive linemen with starting experience. This includes All Big-Ten guard Steven Gonzalez and a bevy of highly rated recruits. The Nittany Lions boast the conferences third best offensive line and one of the best in the nation.  

3. Michigan State Spartans

It was exciting times in 2016 when the Hoosiers upset Michigan State, but ultimately the Spartans finished that season with a disappointing 3-9 record. Coach Dantonio completely flipped the script in 2017. The Spartans went 10-3 including a dominant win over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl. Michigan State was anchored by a strong offensive line. One that protected breakout quarterback Brian Lewerke and paved the way for LJ Scott. The Spartans return 10 starters in 2018 and many are expecting Michigan State to compete for a Big Ten championship. Athlon currently ranks Michigan State’s offensive line as the 20th best in the nation.

Among those ten starters, at least three of them are on the offensive line depending on who wins out in camp. The Spartans have depth up front. Five experienced offensive linemen in total will be returning despite losing all-conference center Brian Allen. Tackles Luke Campbell and Kevin Jarvis received honorable mention for the All Big-Ten Team and they are only sophomores. A stout and experienced defense should allow Dantonio and MSU to run the football. The Spartans offensive line should help them put teams away late. Indiana will have a tough time in Bloomington when Michigan State comes to town on September 22nd. 

4. Michigan Wolverines

Many media members like to talk about how Jim Harbaugh is on the hot seat, although it’s very hard to believe that’s the cast. Harbaugh will field a talented and experienced Michigan team in 2018, however, much of the team’s success will fall on the shoulders of transfer quarterback Shea Patterson. The Wolverines return three starters on the offensive line including two juniors and a senior. Last season, Michigan’s offensive line propelled the Wolverines to the 4th best running game in the Big Ten.

It’s undeniable the level of talent Harbaugh is bringing to Ann Arbor. Each recruiting cycle seems to match or exceed the previous ones. Harbaugh will be working with plenty of youth on the offensive line, but his returnees will help the young players adjust. A heartbreaking overtime loss at home against Michigan was tough for Hoosier fans to swallow last year. Unfortunately, beating Michigan at the Big House will be a tall task. This Michigan team is desperate for success, and their offensive line will look to pave the way for Shea Patterson and a strong returning run game. 

5. Iowa Hawkeyes

The Hawkeye’s had an interesting season in 2017 that included a blowout upset win against Ohio State – a game in which Iowa’s offense hung 55 points on the Buckeyes. Their season also included an overtime loss against Northwestern, a home loss to Purdue, and a win against Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. What was an 8-5 season could have easily been 10-3. Iowa projects to be a similar team, perhaps slightly better in 2018. The Hawkeyes return both starting offensive tackles and senior center Keegan Render.

In addition to their returning starters on the offensive line, Iowa has plenty of depth and experience. Iowa was a top-25 passing team according to Bill Connolly’s S&P+ and they return quarterback Nate Stanley. The 5th best scoring offense in the Big Ten last year will have a reliable offensive line this year. Given the nature of Iowa’s recruiting tendencies, college football fans will rarely ever see a weak Hawkeye offensive line. Iowa’s run game clocked in at 11th in the Big Ten, so there’s reason to believe that figure will improve. Hosting the Hawkeyes should benefit the Hoosiers as it is generally very tough to play at Iowa. Indiana will have their hands full with Iowa’s front line, but the game at Memorial Stadium will certainly be a winnable one.

6. Purdue Boilermakers

Jeff Brohm turned in a very impressive season for the Purdue Boilermakers last year. Brohm’s team went 7-6 with a win over Arizona in the Foster Farms Bowl. The Boilers new head coach is known for his offensive prowess, and he proved his worth last year. With a roster many assumed to be depleted, Brohm powered Purdue to the 5th ranked offense in the Big Ten, led by the 5th ranked passing offense in the conference. Pass protection was a major key to the aforementioned passing attack, and it is a vital factor in Brohm’s flea-flickers and trick plays.

The Boilermakers return four of five starters on the offensive line and a wealth of experience. This should fuel Brohm’s offensive identity and dangerous passing attack that used to be a staple in West Lafayette. A mediocre run game should improve in 2018. Purdue’s schedule is significantly more difficult than it was last year. It will be interesting to see if Brohm can duplicate the offensive success he had last year. With quarterbacks Elijah Sindelair and David Blough returning, it’s possible Purdue will operate with two signal-callers. Indiana is fortunate to be hosting the Old Oaken Bucket game this year, as they will likely have to rely on their defense to slow down the Boilermakers. Purdue’s offensive line could become a major strength if their key cogs stay healthy.

7. Maryland Terrapins

In acknowledgement of his passing, our thoughts and condolences go out to Jordan McNair’s family and the Maryland football program. Maryland could have a potent offense in 2018. Last year the Hoosiers suffered a devastating loss on the road despite the fact the Terrapins were without their top two quarterbacks. Maryland lost quarterbacks Kasim Hill and Tyrrell Pigrome to season-ending injuries, although both players showed plenty of promise. These injuries derailed what could have been a prolific offense. Instead, Maryland finished 11th in the Big Ten in scoring and total offense.

The Terrapins return four of five starters on the offensive line, including three seniors and one junior. The Rutgers lost wide receiver DJ Moore to the NFL, but they return senior running back Ty Johnson. All signs point to an explosive Maryland offense in 2018. The offensive line will be largely responsible for keeping the Terrapins’ quarterbacks healthy. A balance of experience and talent have Maryland’s offensive line looking like it belongs in the Big Ten – something that couldn’t necessarily be said about the Terrapins in the past. If Maryland can avoid significant injuries, they should field a very intriguing and potentially dangerous offense.

8. Minnesota Gophers

PJ Fleck’s first season at Minnesota proved a return to prominence will take some time. The Gophers went 5-7 last year, finishing 12th in scoring and total offense in the Big Ten. Minnesota failed to score points in either of their final two games in 2017. Although the Gophers fielded an anemic passing attack, their run game ranked 3rd in the Big Ten. This year, Minnesota again has a very young roster, although they should be an improved team overall. The Gophers return three starters on the offensive line, including senior Donnell Greene who was an honorable mention for the All Big-Ten Team last season.

Fleck has signed some talented linemen during his first full recruiting cycle as head coach. The Gophers signed a four-star recruit in Curtis Dunlap Jr. and three-star Blaise Andries. Not lacking for size, Fleck signed Daniel Faalele, a 6-foot-9, 400-pound freshman. The young stable of O-linemen should complement the returning starters nicely. However, the Gophers are left with two quarterbacks who may not be ready for Big Ten play. The success of the team will likely depend on an inexperienced quarterback performing above board. Specifically, Minnesota’s offensive line will be in the middle tier among Hoosier opponents.

9. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Big Ten’s newest members are steadily improving. Rutgers, however, will still possess a fairly weak squad. Rutgers loses a lot of players from an offense that was one of the worst in the nation. Rutgers ranked 129th in the country in total offense last season. Quite frankly, winning four games was an impressive feat for the Scarlet Knights in 2017. Rutgers will need to replace many players, although those players did not produce much. Rutgers had one of the lowest scoring offenses in the country.

This year, Rutgers returns three offensive linemen, including center Mike Maietti. The Scarlet Knights do have a weapon on offense in tight end Jerome Washington. Washington is the only senior within the receiving corps, and he could end up becoming an NFL talent. However, Rutgers production on offense was so abysmal last season, it’s hard to imagine things getting much better. The Hoosiers will be favored when they head to Piscataway to face the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers will probably field the weakest offensive line IU will see in the Big Ten this year.

10. Florida International Panthers

Butch Davis is starting to turn things around for the Florida International Panthers. This season will still be trying for the Panthers; however, Davis reeled in one of the conference’s best recruiting classes this cycle. FIU is projected to be a mid-to-low tier team in Conference-USA this season. The Panthers lost a lot of talent, including their best offensive lineman, Jordan Budwig. Despite this loss, FIU will return three starters on the offensive line and have a good number of experienced players.

FIU will have a new quarterback and solid depth at running back. They will rely on a relatively experienced offensive line to overcome the losses suffered at other positions. For example, FIU doesn’t return a single starter at the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, or tight end positions. The Hoosiers will be heavily favored when the head to Florida to play the Panthers. This matchup presents a good opportunity for Indiana to showcase their squad in what has become an IU recruiting hotbed. Although FIU’s offensive line may be one of their strengths, Indiana’s Big Ten caliber players should overcome the Panthers. 

11. Virginia Cavaliers

The Hoosiers defeated the Virginia Cavaliers handily on the road last season. This year, Virginia has its fair share of question marks on offense, and especially on the offensive line. Athlon sports projects Virginia to finish dead last in the ACC, winning just one conference game. The Cavaliers will be faced with replacing their quarterback, their most productive wide receiver, and three starting linemen. Virginia is especially young up front, with only two senior linemen on their projected two-deep. It would be surprising to many experts if the Cavaliers are able to find any consistency or success in 2018. Instead, Virginia fans will be focusing on the development of their younger players.

The Cavaliers will be utilizing plenty of read-option to compensate for a relatively weak offensive line. Running back Jordan Ellis returns after an impressive 2017, but he will have his work cut out for him this year. Virginia has size up front, but what they have in size they lack in experience. Indiana will have homefield advantage this year against the Cavaliers, and they should have a significant advantage against Virginia’s offensive line.

12. Ball State Cardinals

Indiana will be heavily favored in their final non-conference game at home against Ball State. The Cardinals are projected to be among the worst football teams in the Midwest Athletic Conference in 2018. Last season, Ball State’s offense was devastated by injuries, finishing the season ranked outside the top-100 in passing, scoring, and total offense. As Hoosier fans know all too well, continuity on the offensive line is vital to a team’s success. In 2017, not one of Ball State’s offensive lineman started all 12 games. Only two linemen started in 10 games, and a whopping nine guys started at least once, per SB Nation’s Bill Connelly.

The Cardinals return four starters on the offensive line and a running game that managed to rank in the top half of the conference. It is likely impossible for things to go worse for Ball State this season compared to last. Improvement on the offensive line will be necessary for Ball State to avoid another painful season.