In their biggest game to date, the Bruins’ offensive line rose to the challenge on Saturday and put up their most complete performance so far this season.
Against a No. 10 Cal team, everything seemed to click for the big boys in the trenches in both pass protection and the rushing attack, paving the way for 201 yards gained on the ground and only giving up one sack.
“They did what was asked of them to execute the game plan,” offensive line coach Bob Connelly said. “We asked them to establish a run game, to establish a line of scrimmage, to protect the quarterback and for the most part we did those things.
“As a unit I thought we took a step forward and as always we got to go out and do it again.”
With the bye week, the unit had two weeks to prepare and get healthy, a factor that Connelly did not underestimate.
“They were able to get their legs back under them, feel a little bit better,” Connelly said. “You’re in the middle of the season, you’re banged up, you’re beat-up and everybody is. We’re not any more beat-up than the next team that we’re playing.”
The unit took the extra time to get back to basics of offensive line play, such as footwork, landmarks and proper aiming points.
“We were able to get back to the fundamentals and techniques and spend a lot of time on the basics of football,” Connelly said. “Those little things are the things that make those big plays happen. They don’t just happen. It’s through hard work. It’s through preparation. And it’s through coming out here and putting in the blood, sweat and tears that you have to do.”
For redshirt junior Micah Reed, who tallied his second career start at right guard on Saturday, the experience was a rewarding one.
“That was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had,” Reed said. “I finally got a start in a Pac-10 game and what better game than Cal?”
Reed did not prepare any differently in the starter’s role than he usually does, except for doing a little more studying.
“Mentally, I knew I had a bigger role for this game so I got in my playbook and made sure I knew what I was doing every play so I could go full speed,” Reed said.
Reed and the rest of the offensive line helped put together four drives of at least 10 plays, not including a two-play, 66-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter in which the line sprung running back Kahlil Bell for the first 64.
“We saw they were bringing pressure and we made a call to counter their pressure,” Reed said. “Everybody got up on the guys they were supposed to get on and it was awesome.
“Our goal is to have our (running) back run for 200 yards. We take a lot of pride in it.”
Connelly praised Reed’s play and noted that with little experience as a starter, he still has room to get better.
“I thought he played very well,” Connelly said. “Micah’s still learning to play that position and he’s got a lot of room for improvement but he made us better inside. He gave us a physical presence inside, helped the run game out and I think he’ll only get better from here.”