By John Shinn
Norman, Okla. — By John Shinn
Transcript Sports Writer
Oklahoma left guard Kelvin Chaisson has started more than 30 games over the last four years and even he’s had to deal with a little confusion this season.
Communication between offensive linemen is essential and the bond he formed over the previous three seasons with tackle Wes Sims and center Vince Carter hardly needed words.
“We would see things and know what we were supposed to do without having to make a call,” Chaisson said.
But Sims and Carter both graduated last season. Davin Joseph moved out to left tackle and, at the beginning of year, Chris Chester took over at center.
Chaisson admits there was a communication breakdown on the offensive line as the season unfolded. But, he says, those lines have been repaired over the last month.
OU’s offensive turnaround can be attributed to several factors, including the maturing emergence of quarterback Rhett Bomar and the stepping up of several young receivers.
But the offensive line’s improvement remains the biggest factor.
Offensive line coach Kevin Wilson credits the improvement to finding the right group that plays the best together.
“For the last five or six weeks, we have been playing five or six guys and that consistency has allowed that group to play a little bit better,” he said.
Stability looked like something the Sooners would never find back in September. Projected starter at tackle Akim Millington and backup Brandon Keith left the team before the season began, forcing Wilson to juggle personnel through most of September.
Still, by the time October rolled around a core was in place.
Joseph settled into the left tackle spot with Chaisson next to him at left guard. Center Chris Chester was knocked out for four games with a knee injury, but Chris Bush was solid in his absence. Redshirt freshman J.D. Quinn assumed the starting duties at right guard and senior Chris Messner won a battle with freshman Branndon Braxton for the right tackle spot. True freshman Jon Cooper has played significant snaps at both and center and guard.
Wilson challenged his unit after OU’s 1-2 start. Messner said the turnaround began there.
“I think because we came in and decided we were going to work week-in and week-out starting on that off-week,” Messner said. “With that hard work it just paid off. Everybody saw the good things that were happening. I think that is where the greatest change has been.”
“To me they were proven good players and we just challenged them to get back at practice and going hard, strong, and going in that type of way every day,” Wilson said. “We settled on some things scheme-wise that we wanted to hang our hats on and that we were going to try to be good at. We practiced really hard during that open week back early in the season where we re-laid the foundation of what we are doing and who we are doing it with.”
The numbers prove it.
In the last two games, OU has seen a pair of running backs produce huge rushing totals. Jacob Gutierrez ran for 173 yards against Baylor and Adrian Peterson went for 146 at Nebraska.
Additionally, Bomar was only sacked once in those two games.
OU expects both trends to continue at 11 this morning when the Sooners face Texas A&M; at Owen Field.
Offensive line play is all about cohesion and the Sooners have been able to obtain it.
When asked what was the biggest factor in the unit’s turnaround, Chaisson said the answer was simple.
“We’ve gelled,” he said.
John Shinn
366-3536
jshinn@normantranscript.com
