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Line Keeps QB Bradford Clean

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By JOEY JOHNSTON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 7, 2009

MIAMI - Oklahoma's offense has a simple gauge for success in Thursday night's BCS Championship Game against the Florida Gators.

Just look at the jersey of quarterback Sam Bradford.

If it's spotless, the Sooners are OK.

"We take an amazing amount of pride in that," Oklahoma senior guard Duke Robinson said. "Even if Sam has a green stain from sliding, we take that personally. When the game is over, we want him to be clean as a whistle."

"We don't want Sam to be knocked down - ever," senior center Jon Cooper said.

So far, so good.

Bradford, the Heisman Trophy winner, has been sacked only six times all season (including three by Texas on Oct. 12, not coincidentally in OU's only defeat).

"Our offensive line has been absolutely outstanding," Bradford said. "I couldn't ask for better. I've been hardly touched all season. And some of the holes they've opened up for our running game, it's pretty ridiculous. Even I could run through those."

When the Gators last won a national title, beating Ohio State 41-14 on Jan. 8, 2007, in Glendale, Ariz., Florida's defensive front had five sacks of Troy Smith.

Good luck this time.

UF's defensive front has less experience and depth.

OU's offensive line might be the nation's best unit.

"They dominate," Gators defensive line coach Dan McCarney said. "It's not like they are just blocking guys. They run off the ball, they're athletic, they zone block and area block as good as any group I've ever seen.

"All five of them are some level of All-Big 12. Two of them are consensus All-Americans. The tight end Jermaine Gresham is an All-American. The quarterback won the Heisman. You're like, 'Man, does this thing ever end?'"

Not really.

And it begins with an offensive line featuring four seniors (Phil Loadholt at left tackle, Robinson at left guard, Cooper at center, Brandon Walker at right guard) and one junior (Trent Williams at right tackle).

Even more impressive for a group that averages 6-foot-5, 303 pounds, it has displayed enough aerobic fitness to go the distance. With Oklahoma employing a quick-rhythm, no-huddle offense, there's barely time to rest.

Preparation for that regimen began last summer under Jerry Schmidt, OU's director of sports enhancement, the strength and conditioning maven.

"I remember those days in July, those 100-degree days, and we're in the weight room, doing agility drills, backpedaling and changing direction with the bungee cord, then we're finishing running the ramps of a parking garage three times," Walker said. "If that doesn't get you in shape, nothing will.

"At times, I kind of miss that huddle, kind of catching your breath. But we're strong. You go through those moments with a bunch of guys, and you're bonded forever."

OU's offensive line calls itself "One-Five" (one line, five players). They speak their own language. They hold "One-Five" parties (offensive linemen only).

"We want to attack, dominate, just kill guys, not hurt them but make it where they're not willing to push as hard when the fourth quarter starts," Robinson said. "Then we got 'em."

Gators defensive coordinator Charlie Strong knows the challenge awaiting his front seven.

"You let Bradford have time to throw, and you've got problems," Strong said. "We must have pressure, and he can't get comfortable in the pocket. But with that offensive line, we've got our work cut out for us."

And if the guys who do Oklahoma's dirty work have their way, Bradford will have a clean jersey.

Reporter Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353.

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