Iowa football: Matt Miller calls Hawks offensive line tops in nation

IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs #74 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with teammates after their match-up against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 23, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs #74 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with teammates after their match-up against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 23, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

Stick To Football’s Matt Miller keeps singing praise for the Iowa football team. Last week, he said the Hawkeyes had the nation’s best offensive line.

In the past two weeks, Stick To Football’s Matt Miller has had quite a few good things to say about the Iowa football team. First, he called Heisman runner-up Brad Banks collegiate career one of the most underrated in college football.

Now, he’s letting us know he’s high on the Iowa football team’s offensive line, and I don’t blame him.

The Hawkeyes offensive line is usually a strength, and although they might not churn out first round talent every year, it’s rare that there is a year where there isn’t one graduating offensive lineman getting at least a shot at the NFL.

Even this past season with a relatively weak offensive line, both of the Hawks graduating seniors received priority undrafted free agent deals quickly after the draft wrapped up.

This upcoming season could take the cake though for the Iowa football team. It quite possibly could be the best offensive line the Hawks have ever fielded.

Led by two possible first-round talent at tackle, Nate Stanley shouldn’t have to worry much about edge pressure. On the interior, Iowa will be starting two new guys, but there is a lot of optimism surrounding the potential of the Paulsen twins and redshirt freshman Tyler Linderbaum.

Here is Miller’s quote from Wednesday’s episode of Stick To Football:

"Alaric Jackson at left tackle, Tristan Wirfs at right tackle. They are freaking amazing……You know they’re well coached. You know they’re technically sound. This is what Kirk Ferentz does. He knows how to coach the offensive line. They will be incredibly ready to go week one, but when you have the two best bookends, I actually think they might be the two best tackles in college football, that helps set the table."

He went on to list Michigan and Oregon as second and third best in the nation. Given Michigan’s pro-style offense and the fact that John Harbaugh is a former NFL coach, their high ranking isn’t too surprising either.

Although most of know by now the Iowa football team’s offensive line is strong, it’s nice to see media also give the recognition to the big guys up front for the Hawks.