Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1177122
n o r t h w e s t e r n f o o t b a l l • D I G I T A L P R O G R A M • N O R T H W E S T E R N v s . O h i o S t a t e 33 It has, over recent seasons, had buckets of noise tossed its way, and little of it has been kind. It has dealt instead with its inconsistency and paucity of ability, with its lack of quality depth and its drag on the Wildcats' attack, and all of it was most-assuredly heard. "It has always motivated us," said junior tackle Gunnar Vogel when asked about the chatter. "Last year I think we definitely improved a lot and almost all the guys who are here now were along for that ride. We lost three great seniors (Tommy Doles, Blake Hance and J.B. Butler), but they did a great job of laying the groundwork. Then with Coach (Kurt) Anderson coming in (as their new position coach) and tying us all together, I think now you can say the offensive line is going to be one of the strengths of our team." That puts a target on the line's back. "I agree. I agree," said senior center Jared Thomas, the offensive line's leader. "We want that target. That is the goal every day, every year, every team whether it is voiced or not. We want to be the strength of the team. We know the game is won up front. So if we can take control of that each and every game, and if we can look back at our film and say as a unit that we dominated the game, we'll be in a good position." "Obviously you would much rather have guys who are beaming with confidence than guys who are sitting there going, 'It is third-and-one. Don't put that on us. Throw the ball.' We want guys who want that," Anderson, their new position coach, will say when asked about that attitude. "So, yeah, I am proud of that. I would rather they say we are going to be a strength, and make that a goal, and put yourself out there. I tell them all the time, not every day is everybody going to be on. So, you go in the weight room, your body aches, you're not really feeling it, that's the day you need to talk more trash. If you don't back it up, you're going to look like a chump. You kind of have to play mind games with yourself sometimes to make sure you're holding up your end of the bargain. So, them going out there and saying that, now we have to go back it up. "That is something that will be brought up with the rest of the O-line and I am sure they will accept that challenge gladly."