Offensive linemen Saffold, Saxon prep for Ohio St.

The IU offensive linemen are preparing for the onslaught that's coming their way. \nIt doesn't matter what year they're in, how much they weigh, how tall they are or what high school they played for. With their own defensive line trying to get by them, all that matters is defending their quarterback.\nIt's a drill that was repeated over and over again in Tuesday's practice, as the Hoosiers prepared for their game against No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday.\nBut for IU, two true freshmen -- Rodger Saffold and Pete Saxon -- have stepped up and are contributing on an offensive line that continues to develop with each passing game.\n"I think we've gotten better each and every game," Saffold said. "We're doing better and better, and it's affecting us in games, especially against Iowa. I think we'll do even better in the Ohio State game."\nHalfway through their rookie seasons, the two freshmen are adjusting to a different style of play. Saxon realizes he is no longer the biggest player on the field and that his size will not be enough.\n"You've got to be smarter," Saxon said. "In high school, you could be a big, old ogre and get by, just run people over. You can't run people over, especially in the Big Ten."\nIn his first live-game action, Saxon was thrown into the fire, coming off the bench against Wisconsin and Illinois before starting at left guard last weekend against Iowa.\nSaffold saw his first game action in IU's 14-7 loss to Connecticut when he came off the bench to relieve some of the starters. It did not take long for the freshman to grab a starting position.\nThe next week, Saffold started against Wisconsin at left tackle, and his name has stayed on the starting lineup in the games against Illinois \nand Iowa.\n"I was very excited, very anxious," Saffold said. "Of course, I was nervous, but I had Justin Frye and coach (Terry Hoeppner) telling me I could do it."\nThe senior offensive tackle and team captain, Frye, has witnessed the improvement in the two freshmen since the start of training camp.\n"When you first come in, it's a lot of new stuff, and it's so fast," Frye said. "That's where they've adjusted. They're able to adjust quicker than some of the other guys, and that's why they are playing."\nAgainst the Buckeyes, the development of Saffold and Saxon on the offensive line will be essential for the Hoosiers as they prepare for an Ohio State defense that has given up just nine points a game on average through seven contests.\nSo far this season, Ohio State has outscored its opponents 59-10 in the first quarter of games. Hoping to prevent falling behind early, IU's offensive line will be clearing the way for the three-headed monster in the backfield -- sophomore Marcus Thigpen, senior Josiah Sears and freshman Demetrius McCray, who led the Hoosiers with 84 rushing yards last weekend against Iowa.\nBut in 14 all-time games against the No. 1 team in the nation, IU has never pulled off the upset. Frye and the Hoosiers are just trying to keep a level head.\n"They're the No. 1 team in the country, and they're good players," Frye said. "But if you play assignment football, you're going to have a chance to win"