BYU football: Cougars O-line looking forward to Oklahoma challenge

PROVO — As if going into the 2009 season having to replace four senior starters wasn't tough enough, BYU's offensive line has seen two starters, and a key backup, go down to injury.

And to think that the inexperienced, depleted O-line's toughest challenge is yet to come.

It will Saturday, when the No. 20 Cougars meet No. 3 Oklahoma and its quick, athletic defensive line — headlined by All-America Gerald McCoy — in the season-opener in Arlington, Texas. The 6-foot-3, 297-pound McCoy was the Big 12 defensive player of the year in 2008, when he recorded 6.5 sacks.

"They're quick up front. McCoy is very talented, very hardworking," said sophomore right guard Terence Brown. "It's a great opportunity. When you have someone that talented, you really have to use your technique and play hard. If we're technically sound, I think we'll be OK. If we don't play our technique and start doing things as an O-line that we're not supposed to do, he'll definitely exploit that."

Coach Bronco Mendenhall said the Sooner defense is anchored by its line.

"The first word that comes to mind is speed, and I'm starting with the defensive line," he said. "Their front four are able to get pressure on the quarterback. The teams we've struggled with in the past are teams that could get pressure on the quarterback without having to use blitzes. (Oklahoma is) certainly capable of doing that. I think they would start from that point. Knowing, as they study our film, if you're able to get pressure on our quarterback and get sacks without having to send extra rushers, then you reduce the risk. Because we're very good at throwing the ball in between zones and moving the chains kind of methodically, if they don't have to pressure, they don't need to."

The Cougars know that if quarterback Max Hall and the rest of the offense is going to be successful against the Sooner defense, it all starts up front.

"If we don't give Max time, that's when interceptions come," said Brown, a returned missionary who hasn't played in a game since the 2006 season. "Obviously, we're not going to be able to run the ball unless we do our jobs. We believe we set the tone, definitely."

But is this line, which features only one senior, center R.J. Willing, ready for this kind of stage?

Mendenhall has confidence in the group, adding that he trusts each one individually, but understands it could take it some time to come together.

"They're capable but a work in progress," he said. "What they lack is experience. When will they play at a championship level? That's the only question at this point. I know they'll get there."