Nov 15, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Austin Shepherd (79) and Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive Line
There really isn’t a weak link on the Alabama offense, but the offensive line is the weakest unit on the squad. They’re solid – leading the way to more than 200 rushing yards per game and protecting the quarterback having allowed only ten sacks – but the Crimson Tide’s offensive line is better described as “really good” rather than “great.”
“Everybody has kind of embraced their role of what they need to do,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said earlier this season. “I think that they’ve done a good job. Obviously, there are always things that you can do better, you’re never really satisfied with where you are, but I think there’s been a lot of positive performances from that group this year and as the season’s gone on.”
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True freshman Cam Robinson has held down the left tackle spot for Alabama this season and senior Austin Shepherd is the right tackle. Robinson is a freak of nature that will play two more seasons for Alabama before becoming a first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Shepherd will take his talents to the NFL following this season. Both have started all 11 games this year.
Seniors Arie Kouandjio and Leon Brown are the starting left and right guard, respectively. Kouandjio isn’t quite as good as his brother was for the Tide, but he’s still a consistent performer that has started every game this season. Brown has played in all eleven, but missed two starts against FAU and Arkansas.
Ryan Kelly, a junior, is the center. Kelly missed the Arkansas and Texas A&M games due to injury, but has started the other nine.
Next: 2014 Iron Bowl Preview and Predictions
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