Wisconsin Football: Offensive Line continues to be recognized

As the hype for the 2018 college football season continues to build, the Wisconsin football offensive line proceeds to impress the experts.

Four members of the Wisconsin football starting offensive line were named to the 2018 Outland Trophy Watch list on Wednesday.  Tackle David Edwards, center Tyler Biadasz and guards Beau Benzschawel and Michael Deiter were the four Badger offensive linemen who made the list.  Wisconsin nose guard Olive Sagapolu was also represented on the list.  The list includes the best defensive tackles, offensive tackles, centers and guards around the country.

"The Outland Trophy, now in its 73rd year, is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since. Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them."

This is not the first organization to recognize the potential of the Badger offensive line.  247Sports named Wisconsin as the second most fearsome offensive line in the country.  They cited the Badgers’ ability to impose their physicality on to their opponents as well as their veteran experience.  Many national magazines and writers are expecting big things from the Wisconsin offense in 2018, with many pointing towards the offensive line as the catalyst.

Wisconsin’s offensive line has always been respected over the years, but it seems like this year’s unit could be something special.  Plenty of Badger offensive linemen have gone on to be first-round draft picks and successful NFL players, but as a group, this might be the best the school has seen.  The mix of NFL-caliber veterans, years of big-game experience and extensive depth along the line have Badger fans salivating for the start of the season.  These road graders will be essential to the success of this team and their ability to get back to Indianapolis.  It is about time these gorgeous giants got some face time.

You have to love that display of world-class acting and epic Lake Mendota fishing.  The Wisconsin offensive linemen are genuine Renaissance men.  Their talent both on and off the field makes this group even more respected and likable.  The dirty work these guys do in the trenches will be overlooked by many, but it is nice to see this group being recognized for the effort they put in on a daily basis.

I personally can not wait for these guys to impose their will on the defensive lines they face.  There is nothing more beautiful than watching the big boys up front clear Ford F-150 sized holes for the Wisconsin running backs.  It is a thing of art when you see the Badger offensive line starting to break down a defense.  Late in the second half the defense is completely gassed from being leaned on play after play.

We might have the only fan base that truly appreciates quality offensive line play, and I could not be prouder of that fact. Can it be August 31st already?