Since I believe the fate of this season hangs on the balance of the O-line and its success, or lack of success, I really wanted to examine the changes we have seen this year and try to get into Houck's head, just a bit.
I think Houck's first step was to take the approach most coaches would follow, build the line from the outside-in. His first priority was to nail down the tackles. Oddly enough, Vernon Carey was considered the grand experiment given that he couldn't crack the starting lineup and didn't have a lot of experience at LT, and McDougal was more of a sure thing at RT. Wrong. Carey has been very impressive and, after Houck gave McDougal every opportunity to succeed, McDougal disappointed. He simply can't pass block and play in space.
Enter McIntosh. Houck, of course, is quite familiar with McIntosh, who played for him in San Diego. McIntosh was always available and, to his credit, he sucked it up and played very well with the second unit. I really believe that if McIntosh and Carey just play decently tomorrow night, Houck is done tinkering with the tackles.
Working his way inward, it looks like Jeno James is safe, for now. James hasn't been sterling, but he has improved each week and seems to be benefitting from Houck's teaching. My guess is that we may see more competition at the RG spot. Can McDougal play RG? Since he doesn't play well in space, but is known as a good run blocker, maybe he's a good fit at RG. There's also Frank Middleton, who is out of shape, but has been somewhat impressive, so far. John St. Clair also remains a possibility. It appears Middleton or McDougal fits Houck's preference for bigger, stronger blockers though.
I think Houck realized that McKinney (unfortunately) may be the best fit, this year, at center, mainly because Hadnot has so little experience. Because he might have to settle with McKinney at center, Houck gave him as much playing time as possible.
Hadnot has shown that he is a capable RG, but the hope is that he learns the center position quickly. Interestingly, if someone steps up at RG, Hadnot could be an excellent swingman, playing guard or center, if Houck decides to go that direction.
In summary, Houck appears to be looking outside-in and wants to secure the tackle position with tomorrow's game. Hopefully, McIntosh and Carey will deliver. If the tackle spots are nailed down, there will be a domino effect. Everybody's job gets easier. He may stick with the current lineup, or give McDougal, Middleton, and St. Clair a shot at RG. Tomorrow's game will be very telling.
Bottom line, the O-line is a work in progress. Houck is patiently trying to find his best 5 combination and then let the games begin. It may take some time - patience is a virtue.
I think Houck's first step was to take the approach most coaches would follow, build the line from the outside-in. His first priority was to nail down the tackles. Oddly enough, Vernon Carey was considered the grand experiment given that he couldn't crack the starting lineup and didn't have a lot of experience at LT, and McDougal was more of a sure thing at RT. Wrong. Carey has been very impressive and, after Houck gave McDougal every opportunity to succeed, McDougal disappointed. He simply can't pass block and play in space.
Enter McIntosh. Houck, of course, is quite familiar with McIntosh, who played for him in San Diego. McIntosh was always available and, to his credit, he sucked it up and played very well with the second unit. I really believe that if McIntosh and Carey just play decently tomorrow night, Houck is done tinkering with the tackles.
Working his way inward, it looks like Jeno James is safe, for now. James hasn't been sterling, but he has improved each week and seems to be benefitting from Houck's teaching. My guess is that we may see more competition at the RG spot. Can McDougal play RG? Since he doesn't play well in space, but is known as a good run blocker, maybe he's a good fit at RG. There's also Frank Middleton, who is out of shape, but has been somewhat impressive, so far. John St. Clair also remains a possibility. It appears Middleton or McDougal fits Houck's preference for bigger, stronger blockers though.
I think Houck realized that McKinney (unfortunately) may be the best fit, this year, at center, mainly because Hadnot has so little experience. Because he might have to settle with McKinney at center, Houck gave him as much playing time as possible.
Hadnot has shown that he is a capable RG, but the hope is that he learns the center position quickly. Interestingly, if someone steps up at RG, Hadnot could be an excellent swingman, playing guard or center, if Houck decides to go that direction.
In summary, Houck appears to be looking outside-in and wants to secure the tackle position with tomorrow's game. Hopefully, McIntosh and Carey will deliver. If the tackle spots are nailed down, there will be a domino effect. Everybody's job gets easier. He may stick with the current lineup, or give McDougal, Middleton, and St. Clair a shot at RG. Tomorrow's game will be very telling.
Bottom line, the O-line is a work in progress. Houck is patiently trying to find his best 5 combination and then let the games begin. It may take some time - patience is a virtue.
