Football (7-0, 3-0 MAC) is so deep at the defensive line it’s scary — for opposing offenses.

Through seven games this season the Huskies have 12 defensive linemen who have seen action. The Huskies have talent on the defensive line and they rotate players in and out so that everyone can see the field.

“It’s great,” said sophomore defensive end Perez Ford. “The depth that we have on the D-line is pretty ridiculous. We are three-deep at D-end, and we can play anyone from one through three, and they’re all starting games, so we all got good enough players.”

Senior defensive tackle Ken Bishop is the only defensive lineman to start every game this season for the Huskies, but to him it doesn’t matter who starts because everyone knows their linemates will step up when called upon.

“It helps a lot,” Bishop said. “We know once the first group is out the second group should be able to make the same plays. It gives everyone a little bit more confidence to know whoever’s in, they’re capable of making the plays.”

The increasing domination of the defensive line has been due to the competition each week in practice where each player tries to earn his starting spot for the next game.

“I think it helps them because you keep it competitive all week long,” said defensive line coach Brett Diersen. “Then you see what happens on Thursday. I think they’re competing every day and every snap, but yet they still get along with each other.

“I think they know there’s going to be a time and place where they play. If it’s starting, it’s starting; if it’s in the middle of the game, it’s the middle of the game. We’re going to rotate guys because we are talented and we are a good group of guys up front. Nowadays with up-tempo offenses you can’t play an entire game, so I love the depth right now because of the competition.”

The defense is leading the MAC in rushing yards allowed per game (144.1) and is second in total sacks (22). Ford leads the team with six tackles for loss and is tied with senior defensive end Joe Windsor for the team lead with 3.5 sacks.

Diersen said the defensive line is continuing to progress. For him, it’s all about each player handling his own responsibilities.

“I think you’re one of 11,” Diersen said. “If you don’t do your job you’re going to hurt the other guys. I think obviously if we can get pressure it helps our secondary, and if we can eat up the run game then it makes it a lot of easier for all of us. But we also rely on the linebackers to be in the right spots. It’s kind of like a puzzle where it all fits in; if you’re not doing your single job, then obviously we’re going to have some issues.”

Diersen said he is happy with the defensive line’s improvement from week to week but knows that there’s room for improvement.

“Our best game’s still out there,” Diersen said. “That’s what we’re trying to get to. And hopefully we’re doing the right things — mental preparation-wise — to get that game.

“Every day’s a competition. You may start the game, and then come Tuesday you have to prove your spot again — that’s life; every day’s going to be a challenge. You have to compete every day.”