Big task awaits Bears' big bodies
The weight is squarely on their massive shoulders.
And Missouri State's starting offensive linemen — who average 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds — don't mind one bit being labeled the team's strongest position group as a new season begins tonight at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La.
Pressure to produce? Bring it on.
"There's a lot of responsibility that comes with it, but I think we're ready," said senior left tackle Zack Cooley.
Added junior center Robert Booker: "We like to take on that challenge. We just come to work every day and work to live up to what people say we can do."
The first test arrives tonight against a veteran defensive front that held its own against the Bears' offensive line a year ago, when the Demons came to Springfield and won the opener 23-17.
While most fans will be following the football, Northwestern State coach Jay Thomas said the best viewing — and a clue on the game's outcome — could be in the trenches.
"That's going to be a game within the game, right there," Thomas said.
The Bears are led by Booker, a returning FCS all-America, who's joined on the preseason all-Missouri Valley Football Conference team by Cooley and senior guard Richard Galbierz.
Missouri State won four of its final five games last season after it began running the football about 65 percent of the time. The line, which also returns starting right tackle Patrick Blanar and has a new starter at left guard in Riley Shantz, embraced the mindset that went with that approach.
"They trusted us more and said 'we can put more pressure on the 'O' line and we liked that," Galbierz said. "I love running the football. I'll pass block and do whatever I can and no one's going to touch (quarterback Kierra Harris) but to run the football wears down the defense and break them mentally."
Coach Terry Allen said he's pleased with the depth the line has developed during the preseason.
For offensive line coach Sean Coughlin, there no substitute for the experience that he has to work with. He said his group is ready for opening night.
"Zack Cooley has played in a lot of games. There's almost nothing he hasn't seen," Coughlin said. "And they're bringing some of the other younger guys along and making them better. Hopefully that pays dividends for us."
If it does, and the Bears are able to run the ball effectively, it takes pressure off Harris to make plays with his arm.
"I just need to manage the game and let my playmakers go to work," Harris said. "With our offensive line, as good as it is, I'm confident that's going to happen."
Bears at Northwestern State
When: 6 p.m. today
Where: Turpin Stadium in Natchitoches, La.
Records: Season opener
Radio: KTXR 101.3 FM
Three things to watch
Running it early and often. On a hot and humid night, the Bears' best defense might be a good, ball-control offense that eats clock. Running the ball will be a priority and MSU has a deep stable of running backs that are capable. But it'll come down to the offensive line's ability to win the battle against a talented Northwestern State defensive front.
Welcome to college. That sums up Missouri State's defensive front and cornerback positions, with four of the five starters at those spots being freshmen. Look for Demons senior quarterback Zach Adkins to put the defense to a quick test through the air and see if the Bears can produce a pass rush, vital to helping the cornerbacks.
Can they break through? Missouri State has lost its last 12 nonconference games, dating to a 2010 win over Eastern Kentucky. That cost the Bears a shot at the FCS playoffs a year ago after a strong 5-3 run in the conference. "There is no real recipe to it," linebacker Andrew Beisel said to finding non-league success. "We just have to go out there and do it."
— Lyndal Scranton
Join the Twitter fun
News-Leader sports reporter Lyndal Scranton will be on the scene as the Bears open the season at Northwestern State and will be live Tweeting throughout the game. To join the Twitter fun, follow along @LscrantonNL