Daniel Webb doesn’t mind studying film on the opposition — he just wishes it would happen after the sun comes up.
“It’s brutal,” the Emporia State defensive lineman said. “Don’t get me wrong — no college kid likes to wake up at 6:30 in the morning to come in and watch tape.”
Though Webb might not like the routine, he can’t argue the extra studying has helped bring ESU’s defensive line success this season.
The unit, which was a glaring weakness a year ago, has been a staple of a Hornets defense that has allowed just 10 points through the first two games this season.
“I’ve been pleased,” ESU defensive line coach Spence Nowinsky said. “I think these guys finally understand that they need to practice hard to get the results on Saturday.”
The group’s impact was especially felt in last week’s 17-7 victory over Central Oklahoma.
ESU had three quarterback sacks and eight total tackles for loss. In addition, the front four provided the pressure on quarterback Ryan O’Hara that led to five interceptions and a fumble.
“I think this year are a big-time family,” Webb said. “We take one play at a time. If we don’t get pressure on one play, we don’t let it get us down.”
The Hornets defensive line also was impressive late in the game. Though only three D-lineman were playing — ESU made the switch to get an extra defensive back on the field with a 17-7 lead — the unit still managed to get two quarterback hurries to help force a four-and-out on UCO’s last possession.
“We didn’t flinch,” Nowinsky said. “We had a good team on the ropes, but they weren’t knocked out. Something bad still could have happened, but we didn’t flinch.”
Nowinsky has been able to create an effective group by keeping fresh players on the field.
Without an abundance of superstars, the coach utilizes an eight- to nine-man rotation on the line, using the position’s depth to his advantage.
“We keep bringing fastballs,” Nowinski said. “On the offensive line, it’s tough to keep blocking fastballs all the time.”
A few lineman stood out on the stat sheet.
Webb finished with seven tackles and a sack, while A.J. Franklin — who sat out the first game — registered six tackles and 1.5 tackles for lost yardage.
Those numbers came despite both linemen only playing a portion of the game because of the substitution patterns.
ESU’s line will have to be as good, if not better, if it hopes to hold down a powerful Southwest Baptist offense on Saturday.
The Bearcats are averaging 314.5 passing yards per game.
The biggest threat will be quarterback Steve Gachette, who has the ability to beat a defense by using his speed or his arm.
“He can run,” Webb said. “We watched him, and he’s a little more mobile. He can get out and he’s got some wheels on him.”
Nowinsky said his line still has room for improvement as well. He counted 11 missed tackles last week — a number that needs to go down with MIAA teams coming up.
“We just have to play disciplined,” Webb said, “and if we play that, we’ll be good to go.”