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However, the line has failed to live up to the high expectations placed upon them this year, partly because of injury, but primarily because of too many mental lapses.

 

The line has not been the same since right tackle James Williams went down for the season, in what was a particularly big blow because the line is the most undersized in the SEC and Williams was their biggest linemen. While losing Williams was big, the Commodores have had four full games to adjust to life without him, and adjust they haven’t.

 

The line has been out of sync, and the numbers, particularly rushing have gone down. The push the line was getting for the running backs in the first two games just hasn’t been there since. While the backs have had some big runs, they have not consistently been able to pick up four or five yards on a carry, it’s been a lot of one to three yard runs with the occasional bigger run.

 

While their run blocking has not been up to par, their pass protection has been pretty solid, as Larry Smith hasn’t faced an overwhelming amount of pressure in the pocket aside from the Mississippi State game.

 

The biggest disappointment along the line thus far has not been physical, but mental. False start penalties, and other mental miscues have killed the Commodore offense this season. When you play in the SEC, against bigger, and more talented teams, you need to minimize mistakes because these teams will capitalize on every mistake made.

 

Last year, the Commodores’ discipline, focus, and lack of penalties helped lead them to their first bowl victory in 50 years, and helped them win close games against South Carolina, Auburn, Kentucky, and BC. This year the Commodores have lost their focus, and as a result the games they’ve been playing.