Top 5 College Football Offensive Lines in 2012 College Football

2012 College Football Team Rankings – Top 5 Offensive Lines: The offensive line is probably the most-underappreciated part of any college football offense. An average quarterback can look like a star when they are given a bunch of time to throw the football, and an average running back can run wild when there are gaping lanes to work with. The five guys on the line can make life easier for everyone else around them, and while they may not get the credit, a strong offensive line can cover up a lot of other issues and carry a team.

1.      Alabama Crimson Tide

It is almost unfair the amount of talent on the Alabama offensive line. Defending Outland Trophy winner Barrett Jones leads the group, and considering he was named the country’s best linemen at left tackle last year, he should absolutely maul opponents at center this season. The Crimson Tide also have arguably the top guard in the country in Chance Warmack and a top-10 tackle in D.J. Fluker. Meanwhile, sophomore Cyrus Kouandijo was considered good enough by the coaching staff to move Jones to center. The end result is a five-man bulldozer that is going to be opening running lanes and giving A.J. McCarron plenty of time in the pocket.

2.      Oklahoma Sooners

Four starters are back for the Sooners on the offensive line, and they certainly passed any and all tests last year. Oklahoma’s pass-heavy system doesn’t leave much to the imagination, and quarterback Landry Jones isn’t exactly mobile. Still, the Sooners big guys allowed just 11 sacks on nearly 600 pass attempts. This year’s group features three seniors, a junior and a sophomore Adam Shead that worked his way into the starting lineup at the end of his freshman year. The Sooners’ offensive line was as reliable as any unit in the country last year, and they will be even more experienced and prepared in 2012-13.

3.      LSU Tigers

Alex Hurst is probably the best offensive tackle in the country, and he and Chris Faulk form a powerful duo at the corners. In all, four starters are back on the line. After overpowering opponents all the way to the national title game, the veteran bunch will be focused on a return trip. The Tigers will use a four-headed monster at running back this season, and the downright nasty personality of Hurst and company will play to the team’s strength. They love to run the ball, and LSU will be playing smash mouth football all year long.

4.      Wisconsin Badgers

Every year, the Badgers send elite offensive linemen to the NFL, and every year, there are more elite linemen waiting to take their place. The 2012-13 group is led by left tackle Ricky Wagner, and Travis Frederick is just as skilled at the guard spot. The next in the long line of stars appears to be Dan Voltz, who appears to be on his way to starting as a true freshman after enrolling early. As always, the Badgers will have one of the biggest and strongest offensive lines in the nation. This year’s group might not be quite as good as the one that allowed running back Montee Ball to tie Barry Sanders’ single-season touchdown record, but they are pretty darn close.

5.      North Carolina Tarheels

With a new coach that is putting emphasis on physical conditioning and four returning starters, the Tarheels have the makings of a strong offensive line. Jonathan Cooper is one of the top guard prospects in the country, and James Hurst is one of the best tackles in the ACC. The line allowed Giovani Bernard to top 1,300 yards as a freshman, and both Bernard and the offensive line should be better this year. With all the drama left by the Butch Davis debacle, adding some stability to the mix should allow this talented unit to reach its potential.

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