Importance of a Returning Offensive Line

It’s no secret that teams without an experienced offensive line are going to struggle more often than not. Returning starters on the offensive line are arguably more important than a returning star quarterback or running back. Without any established blockers to fend off the defense or create holes for the offense, a team will probably struggle to move the ball.

Take a look at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are just 10-15 straight up in the last two seasons, but return 10 offensive starters, including 100 returning offensive line starts, good for ninth most in the country. Pair that with a favorable schedule that includes eight home games and only one sure loss (to Southern Cal), and you’ve got a team that will likely coast to nine or 10 wins.

Meanwhile, Arkansas State and Army return just 19 offensive line starts from last season. No matter how good their skill players may be, their offensive lines haven’t had a time to gel, and both teams will likely struggle this season. It’s not even far-fetched to think that all of those 19 starts may have come from one player, either.

Of the 120 Football Bowl Series teams, the median team for returning offensive line starts is Pittsburgh, with 63 starts, or the equivalent of 12.6 starts per lineman. Of course, that may mean one lineman has started 30 games and one is starting his first game in September, but regardless, most teams have at least three players with starting experience.