This has been something I’ve debated with
@LuCane over - specifically, at the goal line.
Generally speaking, i fall on your side of the argument - that if the OL can’t line up (mostly against inferior opponents on our schedule), and get you a yard or 2, they are garbage. Lu and others have called for more creative play calling at the goal line. I believe the correct answer is somewhere in the middle.
As Brock correctly stated in the OP, the play calling does the OL no favors. I’ve been saying that all year long. Asking slow footed tackles to hold up on 5 step drops is a recipe for disaster. But this is an issue that arises moreso between the 20s than at the goalline.
We were actually better this year at picking up 4th and 1 - the most comparible thing to goalline, albeit without the threat of leaving a JT4- type player single covered out wide that arises between the 20s. But Richt got predictable with the fullback dive, and it succeeded much less frequently as the year went on.
I also agree with Brock that our OL isn’t as bad as advertised. Next year we should have one of the top OL units in the ACC. Unfortunately, I have no hope they will look any better if Richt is still calling the plays.