Jesse Boone, Chris Kemoeatu, David Dirkmaat, Tavo Tupola and Makai Aalona haven't scored any of Utah's 27 touchdowns this season. Nor, did they kick the Utes' lone field goal or make any of the team's 24 PATs.
Even so, Utah's starting offensive line has taken ownership of point production. It's a philosophy they've adopted in becoming what head coach Urban Meyer refers to as the most improved aspect of this year's team.
"If we do what we're supposed to do, we'll score points," said offensive line coach John Hevesy. "They've bought into it."
And the 10th-ranked Utes are benefitting. Entering Saturday's home game against North Carolina (8 p.m., KJZZ, Ch. 14), they're averaging 37.8 points per game — more than nine points better than last season. Quarterback Alex Smith cites maturity for Utah's improvement on offense.
Cohesiveness and having the entire offensive line under one coach are other reasons, he said, that things are much better up front. Increased familiarity with Meyer's spread offense is another factor.
"Last year's offensive line took a little bit of the brunt and it was just because it was the first year and there were a lot of first-year players," said Meyer, who credits Boone for bringing the players together. "The center is always the apex of the offense, and he's doing a brilliant job with it."
Meyer is particularly impressed with Boone's leadership. It's helped strengthen the entire line. Aalona, he continued, is a prime example. Meyer said the right tackle has gone from "marginally adequate" to being the most improved player on the team.
"They've really taken it upon themselves to learn the offense," said Hevesy. "They understand the offense — where the ball's going and what's asked of them."
Stability up front has also been a factor. Boone and Aalona have been on the field for almost all of Utah's 350 offensive plays this season. So, too, has Dirkmaat (left guard), Tupola (left tackle) and Kemoeatu (right guard).
All five guys, Hevesy explained, are on the same page kind of like an expanded partnership.
"They know how each other blocks, how each other makes calls and how they work," said Hevesy. "It's a hundred times easier than when you rotate different guys through."
Meyer is pleased with the line's progression under Hevesy. He's formed a tight group.
"You basically just learn to trust each other," said Dirkmaat. "It makes it a lot easier. You just go out there, relax and play the game."
Getting a feel for each other, added Kemoeatu, has accelerated the offensive line's improvement. They gauge their success by keeping a watchful eye over Smith.
"He's the leader of our offense," said Kemoeatu, an Outland Trophy candidate. "We all feed off of him."
Protecting No. 11, Boone noted, "is our biggest thing." The Utes have given up just seven sacks this season, but two came in their most recent outing. New Mexico's aggressive defensive scheme also put a constant rush on Smith.
"There's always room for improvement. He should never be touched at all or even pressured. If we work harder it'll give him the safety and security he needs," said Dirkmaat. "No one likes seeing that guy on the ground. That's the worst feeling in the world because if he goes down and gets hurt, it's on us."
EXTRA POINTS: Meyer's hope for three consecutive strong practices following the bye week is moving along. "It was a good day," he said after Tuesday's session. "We need one more." . . . Cornerback Ryan Smith's groin injury is getting better and Meyer said there's a chance he'll play against North Carolina . . . Tickets are still available for Saturday's game.
Where's the beef?
Utah's starting offensive line have developed into ironmen, playing nearly every down this season.
Left tackle: Tavo Tupola (6-4, 300, sophomore)
Left guard: David Dirkmaat (6-7, 308, junior)
Center: Jesse Boone (6-5, 305, junior)
Right guard: Chris Kemoeatu (6-4, 338, senior)
Right tackle: Makai Aalona (6-4, 304, senior)
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com