OMAHA  — As much as seemingly possible for an offensive line coach, Dennis Wagner seemed to walk with a bounce in his step at the Big Red Breakfast here on Friday morning.

And why not? His boys helped Nebraska pile up 600 yards of offense last week without allowing a sack. The group is mostly healthy. And there is depth, oh the depth.

Not since the days of Milt Tenopir's dominating units have folks been so eager to talk about offensive line play. Especially pleasing to Wagner is how multiple players can play several positions within the line, emphasizing he'll get the best five guys on the field regardless of where they're best suited.

Last season Wagner says he was lucky to have nine healthy and able linemen per game. On Friday 12 offensive linemen made the trip, and it will be a fight for the 10 spots for the first Big 12 road game.

"We're in a situation now where I'm like a kid in a candy store, and I can't pick which candy I want - they're all good," Wagner said. "That's a good problem; we haven't had that luxury the first couple of years.

"Now we're in a situation where guys have to fight every day. Matt Slauson is a good football player, but so is Mike Huff and Andy Christensen. It puts a lot of pressure on that first group; if somebody doesn't do something right I say, 'Come stand by me.'"

The linemen will have to be good again Saturday, as the Wake Forest defense has a couple of NFL prospects, and have been tough against the run the past three games, Wagner said.

The coach found something to gush about many of his linemen. Center Brett Byford plays well in a tough position, Slauson's health continues to improve, Lydon Murtha is on the verge or matching the longtime hype, freshman Marcel Jones and Jaivorio Burkes show promise. …

"I'm excited about the youth in this group," Wagner said, "and if they can continue to work hard in practice they can do great things."

Reach Brent C. Wagner at 473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com.