Short: O-line learned from penalty filled game with UWA

Cam Short

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta State offensive line entered 2012 as one of the most highly touted offensive line in recent memory. With three players standing above 6-foot-4, all of whom have potential to play at the professional level, the Blazer O-line outmatches nearly every defensive line in the nation, at least at the Division II level.

But after the Blazers' loss to West Alabama to open Gulf South Conference play nearly two weeks ago, the Blazer offensive line has been under heavy scrutiny due to the number of penalties called against them in the loss.

The Blazers were flagged a season-high 13 times for 124 yards, the majority of which was called against the offensive line for various holding and clipping penalties. Nearly every call against the Blazers' front-five brought back big plays by the offensive skill players.

"That can be frustrating as offensive lineman," VSU captain and starting left tackle Cam Short said. "Everybody is trying to play very physical. You are trying to know guys on the ground, you are trying to push them off the ball. And when you are pushing guys to the ground, they are gradually going to break away from you. And us, from a mental standpoint, it was tough and mentally demoralizing."

Heading into the conference opener against West Alabama, the Blazers had been flagged just 18 total times in the three games to open the season, sparking Coach David Dean to say his team went from be one of the least penalized teams out of conference to the most penalized team in conference.

Regardless of whether Dean is right, this weekend's game with West Georgia will be officiated by a GSC crew.

"We mentally have to get better," said Short, the 6-foot-3 senior. "We have to come out and let go and push. Mentally that is going to help us this week and work on where we have to be. It is an advantage for us, it keeps us mentally at peak. If we wouldn't have had those penalties we would have just been sitting there acting like we know what we are doing. Now, the most positive part is, we are going to have our heads on and we are going to be ready."

Saturday's GSC road opener will also be the first and only time the Blazers will play on a natural playing surface. VSU's first five games were all played on artificial surfaces and the last four games of the season will also be played on artificial surfaces.

"I think it will be neat to switch it up," Short said. "We have been playing on a lot of turf, especially since everybody is going to it. So I think grass will be good. It will be a good switch for us. Actually, I think it will allow us to dig a little better and move some guys out. So I am really looking forward to it."

 — Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.