In Saturday’s 35–20 loss to the University of Pittsburgh (7-2, 5-1 ACC), Stanford’s offense struggled to gain ground — literally. The Cardinal (3-6, 2-4 ACC) finished with negative 10 rushing yards and surrendered five sacks for a total of 84 yards lost, a performance that sophomore left tackle Kahlil House says the unit is taking personally.
“We were prepared for everything they showed us. It was mainly on us,” House said after Wednesday’s practice.
For an offensive line that prides itself on physicality, rhythm and five-man unity, Saturday’s numbers sting. But House says the group is not sulking. They are using the week to reset, refine and rediscover the connection that ties the line together.
“We understand that we can’t be perfect, but we strive to be perfect,” House said. “This week, it’s about keeping our feet in the ground, getting our hands on guys and really moving people out the way, with a big focus on our combos.”
That consistency, or lack thereof, has defined Stanford’s season so far.
“That’s kind of been a theme this year,” House said. “One game, we’ll have it, and then the next game will be shaky.”
This shakiness is exactly what House says the offensive line needs to improve heading into the weekend. As Stanford prepares to take on North Carolina (3-5, 1-3 ACC), the Tar Heels’ defensive front presents a different kind of challenge, one that House describes with a lineman’s blunt precision.
“Their D-tackles are decent. They’re more like what I like to call tree stumps,” he said. “You’ve got to really root them out, get under them and get those guys out of the gaps.”
For House, that’s where the rebound begins: in the trenches, trusting technique and trusting each other.
“If we trust our technique and stay consistent, the numbers will come,” he said. “It’s really about dominating those fronts and opening up those gaps so our backs can hit at full speed.”
After a loss that demanded reflection, House says the offensive line used the week to tighten its bond.
“After the Pitt game, there were definitely some emotions in the group,” he said. “As competitors, we hate losing. So we had to do some self-reflection. Not just individually, but as a group, and boost the accountability for everybody. Getting to meetings earlier, getting outside earlier to work on our technique, even just eating the right foods.”
For a unit often unseen and underappreciated, House says there is no better feeling than seeing their work pay off, even if the spotlight shines elsewhere.
“It means everything,” he said. “As O-linemen, we don’t get a lot of shine. Y’all see us, but y’all don’t know us. So when our backs break a run and score, and we get to celebrate with them in the end zone, that’s the best feeling in the world.”