Spring Break
Protecting the pocket
Criticized offensive line has found rhythm
By: Brad Cox
Issue date: 11/3/09 Section: Sports
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False start penalties plagued the line in nonconference play and broken blocks contributed to a three-game losing streak which included a 62-14 stomping at Kansas State.
That criticism changed when A&M Head Coach Mike Sherman found the winning combination, used in the Aggies' past two games.
"After the Kansas State game, we knew we needed to change something," said senior lineman Kevin Matthews. "[We] came into practice that week with a different mindset."
With the new mindset, A&M's rushing game exploded against Texas Tech on Oct. 24. Sophomore Cyrus Gray rushed for 131 yards and three touchdowns, and freshman Christine Michael had 121 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the 52-30 win.
The Aggies followed the victory against the rival Red Raiders with a 35-10 win against Iowa State on Saturday. A&M established the running game for the second consecutive week as Gray ran for 119 yards, Michael had a touchdown and junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson also scored on the ground.
The Aggies combined for nearly 600 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground in the two games.
"I've always had a lot of confidence in those guys, it just comes down to execution," Johnson said about the offensive linemen. "They all have the talent to do it they just have to execute and get the job done."
The added protection also allowed Johnson to pass for at least 230 yards in each game and toss three touchdowns against the Cyclones.
"Really we've just pulled together as a unit," said sophomore lineman Evan Eike. "We're playing with confidence right now. We've done well. We're trying to stack practices, stack games and keep it going."
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