Importance of BYU football’s offensive line

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(#25) Tyler Allgeier scored the first touchdown of the first quarter. BYU played Boise State at the Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho on November 6, 2020.2020 BYU Football at Boise State11/06/20Photography by Jaren Wilkey© BYU PHOTO 2020 All Rights Reserved (801) 422-7322

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In the game of football, every single play matters, whether it be a touchdown or a turnover.

But the most important players on offense aren’t always the quarterback or running back, but the offensive line.

The Brigham Young Cougars offense features a potential Heisman Award candidate in quarterback Zach Wilson, two of the best receivers in the nation in Gunner Romney and Dax Milne, and two explosive running backs in Tyler Allgeier and Lopini Katoa.

None of these players, however, would have the success they are having without their offensive line.

The Cougars feature one of the nation’s best offensive lines, despite injuries to several players, and continue to grow and dominate together led by two juniors, center James Empey and left tackle Brady Christensen.

“We’re reliable and violent, that’s what we try to do every week; we try to be the most reliable team out there, and also the most violent team out there, and I think that’s a huge part of our success.”

Playing on the offensive line is no easy task. The position asks for a level of physicality and precision that can make or break a play — but BYU has been up to the task.

Beyond statistical dominance, the Cougars have been recognized for several awards, including Brady Christensen being nominated for the Outland Trophy Watch List, given to the best interior lineman in the country, and James Empey being nominated to the Rimington Trophy Watch List, given to the best center in the country.

However, neither senior guard Chandon Herring, nor the rest of the offensive line, want to give into the hype.

“There’s little and small things that you may only make a mistake with it here and there, but it’s a mistake nonetheless. And so you focus on those small details and the techniques to improve and be a better player.”

In the final stretch of the season, with only two regular season games left and a potential large bowl game ahead, Herring and the Cougars are hoping to finish the season strong.

“When the season is wrapped up, finished, and there is a little bow on it, is when you can sit back and be like, ‘Man that was a really awesome year, a great season.’ But in the midst of it, if you get satisfied, that’s when you’re vulnerable and you can lose it. ”

The Cougars hope for strong play from the offensive line this Saturday against North Alabama at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Brady Christensen, a potential NFL draft pick, graded out as one of the best offensive tackles in the country by Pro Football Focus, and is currently sitting at number two in the country.

The Cougars will look to him to keep Zach Wilson upright in the pocket this Saturday.

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