Offensive Line Helping Lead the Way for Cardinals

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville offensive line coach Richard Owens is confident in his unit and believes the depth of the current offensive line roster helps as the Cardinals are set to begin play in the Atlantic Coast Conference Saturday versus Georgia Tech.

Based on the early season success, it is easy to see why Owens believes in the offensive line.

UofL's offensive line has been a force to be reckoned with over the first two games of the season while showing their depth by rotating through different combinations on the front lines.

When asked about how he goes into a game, either with a set rotation or simply by feel, Owens said he thinks "it has got to be a little bit of both" and that "for the most part, it's how we work during the week, how we prepare, how the guys prepare, who shows that they're ready to go into the game at any moment." He also wanted to emphasize that he thinks about "how the guys on the field are playing - if the guys on the field are playing well then we're going to let them roll."

Against Jacksonville State, the guys up front did not allow a sack and had 233 net rushing yards on 36 attempts, including five rushing touchdowns. Louisville averaged 6.5 yards per attempt -- an indication that the offensive line has been dominating the opposition.

While starters for both the Jacksonville State and Austin Peay games stayed the same, nine linemen were in the rotation against Jacksonville State and 16 different linemen played against Austin Peay.

Owens' two biggest rotational linemen have proven to be a pair of transfers in Rasheed Miller and Victor Cutler. Owens praised each of them, saying Miller "has done a tremendous job preparing each week" and "has executed at a high level." When discussing Cutler, Owens said "he has gotten in a good bit" and that they "try to roll those guys as much as we can and try to stay fresh."

The offense has not missed a beat with Miller and Cutler in the lineup.

Owens was also quick to highlight returners Trevonte Sylvester and Renato Brown, both of whom have had extensive playing time this year and in the past.

Combined with the contributions of Miller and Cutler, it is evident why Owens is confident in the talent and depth of his unit.

Owens knows he has a strong starting unit, but believes "the more we get other guys in and they play together and they're all on the same page [and] they're executing at a high level…there's a trust factor there that you feel confident in putting those guys in the game."

Owens and the Louisville offensive line continue to prepare for their first ACC matchup on Saturday afternoon at L&N Stadium. The Cards will take on Georgia Tech at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

Players Mentioned

Renato Brown

Vic Cutler

Rasheed Miller

Trevonte Sylvester

University of Louisville Athletics