Georgia Football: Breaking Down How Crucial Offensive Line Play Is for Bulldogs

Many football experts would say that if a team doesn't have good offensive and defensive lines, they will have a hard time winning ball games.

The Georgia Bulldogs had a solid offensive line last year and won 10 games because of it. But at the same time, the offensive line had its moments where it could not put it all together, resulting in losses to LSU, Boise State and South Carolina.

This year, the offensive line will be under pressure all season long because it is expected to play at a high level despite missing three starters from last year. But if the Bulldogs want to get where they want to go, the offensive line has to be stable, consistent and healthy.

Here's a closer look at how crucial the Bulldogs' offensive line play is this season.

Taking Pressure off Aaron Murray

Aaron Murray had a fine season for the Bulldogs in 2011, with more than 3,000 yards passing and a school-record 35 touchdowns.

However, he did get sacked 32 times, which is eight more times than in 2010, and his completion percentage went down two points.

Part of the reason for his slight decline was the offensive line had issues staying healthy, which led to the coaching staff shuffling players all season long. In fact, when Dallas Lee broke his leg last November, there were only five linemen who had seen significant playing time.

Depth will be a big concern for the Bulldogs this season. If they can stay healthy and play together, Murray's numbers will significantly improve from last season.

Developing a Running Game

One of the most important things the Bulldogs want to establish this season is a solid running game. They could not do that at times last year because the offensive line had issues pushing defensive linemen around.

Offensive line coach Will Friend has worked hard to find the right mix of players who have the right size and speed to be able to drive defenders 5-7 yards during running plays.

Finding linemen who can protect Murray is important, but if the offensive line can't dominate the line of scrimmage during a running play, then Murray and the rest of the offense will be in a world of hurt.

The Defense Will Benefit from the Offensive Line

Last season's defense was as good as any unit in the country, but the one thing that will make it better this year is not having to be on the field as much.

If the Bulldogs offensive line is improved and able to establish the line of scrimmage, the offense will sustain drives longer, which will give the defense more rest. This will be beneficial when the Bulldogs play against offenses like Missouri and South Carolina, teams that know how to score points on the ground or in the air.

Needing a Leader

Last year, Ben Jones became the undisputed leader of the offensive line, which made sense because he led by example.

Now that he's gone, who is the one player who will step up?

Kenarious Gates looks to be that guy, as he is slated to play left tackle.

Gates has the the most experience, playing in seven games in 2010 and 12 last year. He has played more of the guard position than tackle, but he could see action at three positions this season when it's all said and done.

If Gates can hold down the left tackle spot, then the offensive line as well as the rest of the offense will be on its way to a very fine season.

A Look at the Starting Five

This will change by the end of August, but if the season were to start today, the starting lineup would look a little something like this.

Gates would start at left tackle, Lee would start at left guard, David Andrews would be the center, Chris Burnette would man right guard and at right tackle would be Kolton Houston.

However, when John Theus arrives on campus, he is expected to take one of the tackle spots. Greg Pyke is another newly signed lineman who is expected to see some playing time as well.

And let's not forget about reserve players like Mark Beard, Austin Long and Xavier Ward, who are looking to get on the field as well.

There's a lot of competition on the offensive line right now, and that is a good thing because the five-best need to be on the field in order for the Bulldogs to see more than 10 wins.