Undersized O-line a lingering problem

Miami has allowed 18 more sacks than it has generated this year.

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2:32 AM Saturday, November 19, 2011

By Pete Conrad

Staff Writer

OXFORD — When Miami University football coach Don Treadwell looks at the opposing offensive linemen in the Mid-American Conference, he feels right at home.

“It has really opened my eyes. It’s like, wow, this is just like walking out into any Big Ten (Conference) stadium,” the former Michigan State assistant said, referring to their size.

He wants that same feeling when he looks at his own linemen.

It has been a difficult year for the RedHawks in terms of quarterback sacks and isn’t likely to get easier when they face Ohio, the Mid-American Conference East Division champs, in Tuesday night’s season finale.

Miami’s offensive line has allowed 42 sacks in 2011. The RedHawk defense has only recorded 24.

Part of the reason for the sacks allowed has been the lack of production from Miami’s running attack, which also might have something to do with its offensive line.

The RedHawks have three starters under 285 pounds. Western Michigan, which beat Miami 24-21 on Wednesday, averages 304 pounds along its offensive front.

“We just can’t get through them unless we’re blitzing because of the size they have,” Treadwell said.

This subject will be a priority during the offseason. Treadwell said he is optimistic about Paul Harkins, who was named as Miami’s director of strength and conditioning in February.

“My hope and prayer as you look at our players 4-5 years from now is that we’ll have that same kind of massive line,” Treadwell said.

The size of opposing lines is one reason for the RedHawks’ inability to put as much pressure as they’d like on the quarterback. Another is a rash of injuries at defensive end.

The RedHawks lost two starters early in the season, Wes Williams and Will Diaz, and on Wednesday the team played without senior C.J. Marck, who ranks among the team leaders in sacks.

Treadwell said Marck’s status for the Ohio game is day to day.

“Nicks and knacks. It’s not anything major,” he said. “The wear and tear of the season really adds up.”

“We’re down to maybe the third team on our depth chart,” he noted. “We moved (linebacker) Chris Wade down to play defensive end last week. We’re so limited.”

Luke Kelly, another linebacker, started at defensive end in place of Marck and has played on the defensive line for the last few weeks.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or Pete.Conrad@coxinc.com.

Next game

Who: Miami RedHawks (4-7, 3-4 MAC) at Ohio Bobcats (8-3, 5-2)

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Peden Stadium (24,000), Athens

TV: ESPN2

Radio: WMOH-AM (1450), WDBZ-AM (1230)

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