Peter Lalich will need as much help as possible from his offensive line as he develops this season.

After an entire semester abroad in England I couldn’t wait to get back to American sports and start gearing up for Southern Cal. You might think that reading about the suspensions of Chris Cook and Jameel Sewell compounded by the departures of Chris Long , Tom Santi , and Jonathan Stupar would have been less painful across an ocean. You would be wrong. While no one in England cared what I thought about the Wahoos’ chances in 2008, I finally have an outlet to voice my opinion in the latest Take 5 in my new capacity as The Sabre.com’s intern.

Everyone seems to be fairly consumed by the quarterback race. I, on the other hand, think it will become apparent fairly quickly that Peter Lalich is the man for the job. JHoo’s convincing analysis added to what we all already know – Lalich can flat out throw the ball. With an impeccably accurate arm, Lalich needs to acquire pocket presence and confidence, both of which were clearly lacking when he fumbled the ball in the last minutes of the Gator Bowl. Both should come to him in time.

More interesting I think are the questions raised by the departure of first round NFL Draft pick Branden Albert . (1) Will the offensive line be able to protect Lalich? I’m fairly skeptical as the interior three will be new faces. No one is really sure who will play center, though Jack Shields is the likely starter after the graduation of Jordan Lipsey. Eugene Monroe will have to step up to command a line that must protect Lalich, especially early in the season as he aims to gain presence. I think Landon Bradley has loads of potential, but he’s still waiting his turn behind Monroe and Will Barker .

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