FanShot

tWSJ: Offensive Line Experience Can Predict Success

5

Offensive-line experience is one of the telltale predictors of success in college football. Last season, eight of the top 10 teams in the final Associated Press poll began the season with at least 65 combined career starts by their offensive linemen, including title-game participants Florida and Oklahoma. Two of 2008's biggest surprises, Utah and Ole Miss, had more than 80 starts of experience, enabling them to improve dramatically on offense. Conversely, Georgia, Missouri and Clemson -- three preseason top-10 teams that disappointed -- were green up front, with fewer than 40 starts each. The article lists FSU with 86 returning combined starts. I'm unsure if this includes Furlong. I wonder if the Wall Street Journal picked the "name" teams here, or if FSU is really in the top 5. Curious that the listed five are five top teams. Editors Note: The site might be slow today. I have an exam and am unsure of what the other authors have planed.