Entering the 2024 season, the offensive line was a major question for the Colorado Buffaloes (9-4, 7-2 Big 12). After a poor performance in the first year of head coach Deion Sanders' tenure, the room was revamped, and coach Phil Loadholt was brought in.
Following the crushing loss to the BYU Cougars (11-2, 7-2 Big 12) in the Valero Alamo Bowl, the Buffs fell short of 10 wins in 2024. The season as a whole was still a success for the team. With every game now complete, how did the offensive line fair?
When evaluating the offensive line as a unit, it is important to understand the factors that do not appear in the stats. Play calling, scheme, and quarterback decision-making can make or break a play and affect the outcome that will reflect on the group. Team rushing will be used as a baseline to evaluate the unit.
The Ugly:
After 13 games, the lack of a consistent running game was the most glaring issue on paper and to fans watching. Looking at the most recent loss, the Buffs had just two total rushing yards in a blowout. This outing was the worst rushing effort of the season, far below the average. Even worse, the performance gave scenes reminiscent of the first season of the Prime era.
In 2024, the Buffaloes averaged 65 rushing yards per game. They also failed to reach 1,000 yards on the ground for the second straight season. These totals do include sacks taken by the quarterback which affect the net yardage in college football.
The Buffaloes also struggled to find a consistent lead running back. Five total players started in the backfield for CU, which made it hard to create a connection or rhythm. Regardless, the yardage was still too low, and a consistent run game must be established going into next season for the offense to improve.
In terms of pass protection, a few outlier games hurt the totals for the unit. Shedeur Sanders was sacked 39 times, losing 243 yards for the offense. Even with Sanders' habit of holding onto the ball, it is far too many to have on your quarterback. Sacks kill drives, and mitigating them can lead to more points.
The Good:
Despite the unit's troubles, there were plenty of improvements and reasons to be optimistic in 2025. The standout change was introducing the rotating guards strategy that coach Loadholt implemented. The short rest for the players positively impacted the group's technique, strength, and energy late in games. Colorado's willingness to experiment proved beneficial in putting multiple players on the field and giving them an advantage.
The offense averaged 33 points per game, roughly five points more than it did in 2023. When the line gave Sanders a clean pocket or opened holes for backs, the skill players took advantage. The 15 rushing touchdowns were still low, but a trend in the right direction. The unit showed they can be dominant when everyone is on the same page. Unlike the previous season, the group was able to take over in victories like against UCF and Cincinnati.
The most exciting thing about the unit is the two true freshmen who started. Jordan Seaton anchored the blindside at left tackle and looked as advertised. He struggled with penalties in some games but has the foundation of a cornerstone tackle. At center, Cash Cleveland bloomed late but captured his spot for the future. The promising pair gave optimism as foundational pieces to build a great offensive line.
Both Seaton and Clevland were named to the Pro Football Focus and On3 All-Freshman teams. This was a testament to their commitment and growth throughout the year. Speed off the ball and into the second level are what separate the pair from others. Seaton has excelled in the run, proving to be effective as a puller. Cleveland’s ability to get out on screens and communicate fronts has been an early sign of his development.
In this play, a tackle trap is called, where Seaton pulls across the set and kicks out the end man on the line of scrimmage. With his head inside and perfect hand placement, an alley was created off his backside, leading to a touchdown. This design was called specifically for Seaton to be set up for a kill shot. As a result, it showcased Seaton’s speed and aggression in the run game.
This G pull jail screen creates a false illusion for the secondary, allowing Seaton to sneak from the backside, along with the center, and play tackle to create the running lane. The blocks and speed from the tackles were successful, but the center allowed his man to make the tackle. Seaton would learn and adjust on this play later in the season.
The same play is called here, this time with Cleveland in at center. Not only does he successfully make his first block, but he passes his man to Seaton and makes the touchdown clearing block for Travis Hunter. An extremely high-level play, block, and execution by both of the freshmen. There were many other plays like that this season, giving hope for the future.
Considering all the factors from above, the 2024 O-line will be receiving a grade of C+. The inconsistency and inability to run the football hurt the unit's rating. However, the development of the scheme and the promise of young talent made this season an overall improvement from last year. Adding some conference recognition and a thousand-yard back next season will help the rushing attack in 2025.
With coach Loadholt taking a job offer at Mississippi State and players graduating and transferring, the Buffaloes will go into 2025 with more questions on the O-line. With hungry signees, transfers, and players already on the team, it will be a dogfight for starting positions next year. Whoever becomes the leader of the room will have to make important decisions. Improving the O-line will help Colorado take the next step in 2025.
Comentarios