For two years Oklahoma’s offensive line has been billed as one of the best in the program’s long history. Most see guys who’ve been starting games since 2005 while others see the raw size and athletic ability as the basis for the favorable comparisons.

But OU’s coaches have tempered the praise for the big men up front. It isn’t because they’re downplaying expectations. It’s because consistency is the true measuring stick for an offensive line.

Can the unit play up to its potential on a weekly basis?

Last season it didn’t. OU’s three losses all included bad days from the offensive line.

“We take responsibility for it,” OU center Jon Cooper said.

Despite those lulls, many believe the best offensive line in college football resides in Norman.

There’s plenty of evidence to back up that theory.

OU has five seniors in Branndon Braxton, Cooper, Phil Loadholt, Duke Robinson and Brandon Walker who are all returning starters. That group has combined on 131 career starts. Junior tackle Trent Williams and junior guard Brian Simmons combined for eight starts last season.

That experience and talent helped average more than 42 points and nearly 450 yards a game last season.

“I think it does begin with the offensive line,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “If they will be more consistent, more physical and play at a higher level then it will give (the team) an opportunity to be physical and run the ball. If we will protect the quarterback, we will still throw it more efficiently and very well.”

Consistency will be the key for the Sooners’ offensive line this season. It has been the group’s mantra throughout spring and preseason practice.

The preseason accolades have been nice, but carry no weight on the practice field.

“We don’t walk around with our chests poked out,” Braxton said.

The No. 1 area OU has worked to improve is focus. About the only thing that slowed OU last season was penalties.

Robinson, a guard, had a consensus All-American season, but was still guilty of the misdeeds in several games. He wasn’t alone.