Offensive lineman rarely get the love after a big win. In the case of the Oregon Ducks‘ 18-16 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in Week 11, other big names on offense dominated the headlines.
Running back Noah Whittington carried the ball 17 times for 118 yards. Fellow back Dierre Hill Jr. exploded through the defense for the Ducks‘ lone touchdown. Quarterback Dante Moore completed a beautiful 24-yard pass to wide receiver Malik Benson on the game-winning drive that ended in an Atticus Sappington field goal.
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What received even more coverage was the injury news, as wide receiver Dakorien Moore and tight end Kenyon Sadiq missed the game with injuries. The extent of those ailments was one of the top postgame topics.
But without the performance of the offensive line, none of that would be possible — specifically center Iapani Laloulu, who was the highest-graded center in the nation in Week 11, per PFF.
Laloulu, a Big Ten honorable mention selection a season ago, is the leader of the Ducks‘ offensive line. As the center, he and Moore work hand-in-hand to set the pass protection. On run plays, he’s motioning to his fellow lineman who to block.
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The Hawaii native played in all 28 games during his true freshman and sophomore seasons, quickly becoming a factor along the line as soon as he stepped on campus. He was a 247 Sports true freshman All-American in 2023.
Now a true junior, he’s the leader of the Oregon offensive line — that just rushed for 261 yards and averaged 7.3 yards per carry against a stout, physical Hawkeyes’ rush defense. They also allowed zero sacks, a significant accomplishment as three Iowa defensive lineman entered the game with four or more sacks.
But in the end, the Ducks were more physical. And Laloulu and his offensive line mates deserve their share of recognition, as the win wouldn’t have come without their massive contributions.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Ducks center Iapani Laloulu the highest graded center in Week 11
