Offensive line holds up well for Bulldogs
There were plenty of questions surrounding Saturday's matchup with Mississippi State against Brigham Young University and many of them centered around the offense.
Most notably, the Bulldogs were unsure how the offensive line would go moving forward with injuries taking their toll. It starts with senior left tackle Martinas Rankin, who is considered an early-round National Football League Draft pick next year. Rankin went down in the first half against Auburn with a high ankle sprain giving way to redshirt freshman Greg Eiland, who struggled at times against a solid defensive front.
Saturday was the first start for Eiland and he and his line counterparts helped rack up 546 yards of total offense including 306 yards on the ground against a physical defensive line.
“Obviously, I'm pleased with those guys especially having to play with the two freshmen tackles,” State head coach Dan Mullen said. “You have your top lineman out in Martinas Rankin and we got worried with (sophomore guard) Michael Story being out this week. They stepped up and we were able to run the ball. This is a tough, physical group and they were able to block them. Pretty pleased with them.”
MSU has been among the best in the Southeastern Conference this season in protecting Nick Fitzgerald in the passing game with only three sacks surrendered in six games. The unit with two redshirt freshmen tackles went all game again on Saturday without a sack surrendered and Fitzgerald wasn't pressured much in the game, either, despite throwing 30 times.
“I thought they played great,” Fitzgerald said of Reese and Eiland. “Whenever their number was called, they stepped up big and have done their jobs.”
Fitzgerald has also been impressed with junior center Elgton Jenkins, who has been Mr. Versatility on the offensive front during his career. Jenkins has played offensive guard and tackle in the first two years and this season was asked to be the team's center.
Game one of the year against Charleston Southern saw Jenkins struggle with his snaps often keeping them low. It wasn't without some hard work, but he continues to improve up front and has been a vital part of the running game as a lead blocker down field on many runs.
“We had some low snaps at first and that's to be expected. We've worked on it together and he's put in a lot of work,” Fitzgerald said of Jenkins. “He comes in, works his butt off and makes sure he leads the offensive line. It's great to see him lead them and tell them where to go.
“He's a big guy that can really move and get down field and block people. He'll turn a 10-yard run into a touchdown sometimes.”
Heading back into SEC play this week, the Bulldogs had some questions answered from their young, banged up front. Mullen doesn't know yet whether or not Rankin will return next week against Kentucky, but at least they feel much better about their freshman moving further.