Twenty-Two O-Line Units Gain Attention of Voting Committee
NEW YORK (Oct. 18, 2022) — The Foundation for Teamwork today revealed the twenty-two members of the 2022 Midseason Honor Roll for the Joe Moore Award presented to college football's Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit.
Earning a spot on this year’s Midseason Honor Roll are the O-lines of No. 6 Alabama, Air Force, Appalachian State, Arkansas, Coastal Carolina, No. 1 Georgia, No. 18 Illinois, No. 17 Kansas State, No. 4 Michigan, Minnesota, No. 7 Mississippi, Notre Dame, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 10 Oregon, No. 16 Penn State, South Alabama, No. 14. Syracuse, No. 3 Tennessee, No. 8 TCU, No. 9 UCLA, No. 12 USC, and UAB.
This year’s Honor Roll members represent eight conferences, (in alphabetical order): ACC (1), BIG TEN (5), BIG-12 (2), CUSA (1), MWC (1), PAC-12 (3), SEC (5), SUN BELT (3), and NOTRE DAME (independent). For games played through Oct. 8, teams on this year’s honor roll had a combined record of 118-23 and include fourteen ranked teams, eight of which are in the Top Ten of the AP Poll.*
These units have gained the attention of the Joe Moore Award Voting Committee as it moves closer to announcing the selection of semifinalists on Nov. 15 and finalists on Dec. 6. Selection of the 2022 Joe Moore Award winner will be made public after a surprise visit to the winning university’s campus in late December.
“The O-line units on the 2022 Midseason Honor Roll have caught the attention of the Voting Committee through the October 8 weekend by demonstrating many of the award criteria in a recognizable way,” said Cole Cubelic, chairman of the Joe Moore Award Voting Committee. “The bar will raise quickly and significantly from here, and the consistency, effort, and teamwork required to earn further recognition will be how the elite units separate themselves.”
“It’s been a fun year for our position, and the connection between outstanding O-line play and winning football is undeniable,” said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and founder of the Joe Moore Award. Taylor played guard at the University of Notre Dame for the award’s namesake, the legendary offensive line coach Joe Moore. “October and November are historically where the best units have been able to separate themselves, and I know we’re all looking forward to seeing some iconic ‘Joe Moore Moments’ down the stretch.”
Units of Interest
In addition to the O-line units listed above, Voting Committee members also took note of the play and production of Army, Georgia State, Liberty, Marshall, Mississippi State, North Texas. We have seen moments of the Joe Moore Award criteria being met, so we will be watching for more consistency as these promising teams close out the season.
2022 Midseason Honor Roll at a Glance
Air Force (5-2)
The offensive line, known as the “Diesel” has paved the way for the Falcons to lead the nation in rushing with a 359.9 average.
The Falcons O-line has only allowed .71 sacks per game which leads the MW and ranks seventh nationally.
The Falcons rank first in the MW and second nationally in time of possession with a 33:37 mark.
The Falcons have rushed for 400-plus yards on four occasions this season and are 4-0 when doing so.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying: “Tough, physical unit that regularly exceeds their physical limitations. They make that offense go. Their fullback Roberts is about to be the most productive fullback in USAFA history. These dudes look to finish and hurt feelings on every play. Tone setters. They run off the football and accelerate on contact (AOC) as well as any unit I’ve seen. Not intimidated by anyone. They are maxing out what they have man, and I’m here for it!”
Alabama (6-1)
Alabama’s offensive line has cleared the way for one of the nation’s most explosive offenses, ranking fourth in scoring (45.0 ppg), seventh in total offense (513.0) and 12th in rushing (236.7 ypg).
The Crimson Tide lead the nation in yards per rush at 6.55 yards per tote.
The Alabama O-line has allowed just six sacks in seven games (.86 per game) – and just three sacks with starting QB Bryce Young in the game. If you look at sacks allowed per pass attempt, the numbers look even better, as the Tide’s offensive line surrenders one sack
every 39.2 pass attempts and one sack every 62 attempts when Young is under center.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying: “Much improved group from a year ago. C does a nice job helping inside and working up to 2nd level. He makes stuff right a lot. A group that generally handles movement and stunts well. LT54 from Vandy can bend and is a welcomed addition. RG brings his feet underneath and can generate tremendous power. Scheme and elite skill help pass pro and rush production, but competitive group that gets it started and gives the plays a chance.”
Appalachian State (3-3)
17 of App State’s 21 fourth quarter plays against Texas A&M were runs. For the game, App State went 9-for-20 on third down and 3-for-5 on fourth down while finishing with big advantages in plays run (82 to 38) and possession time (41:29 to 18:31).
In its first game under new line coach Geep Wade, against a UNC defensive line with four- star and five-star recruits, App State rushed for 288 yards on 43 attempts.
In its first eight FBS seasons, the Mountaineers offensive line has helped App State rank in top 20 in fewest sacks allowed seven times while also ranking in the top 25 in rushing yards per game in seven of eight FBS seasons.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying: “One of the most consistent outside zone teams in the country. consistent year in and year out. Demonstrate great technique and teamwork down after down. App’s OL consistently maxes out their physical ability, embodying so much of the “5 as 1” mentality that is at the core of the Joe Moore Award identity.”
Arkansas (4-3)
Arkansas’ offensive line has blocked for the second-best rushing attack in the Southeastern Conference (11th in FBS) through seven weeks of the season, averaging 240 yards per game and the conference’s leading rusher and seventh in FBS in Raheim Sanders (124.3 ypg).
The Razorbacks’ offense has produced a 100-yard rusher in a program record eight straight games dating back to last season, including five games from Sanders this season.
The Hogs are on pace to set a school record in total offense, averaging 488.6 yards of offense per game through seven weeks.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying: “Scrappy as hell. Their RG55 has some junk to him. ‘Five functioning as one’ is there BIG time. They define the teamwork criteria. This is starting to look like the familiar units we’ve seen from Sam over the years. Tons of strain even when the picture isn’t pretty. C looks like he’s having a good year.”
Coastal Carolina (6-1)
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“Coastal tape is what we’ve come to expect, but more size this year though. These guys are all on the same page, all 10 eyes seeing the same thing, which is very evident on their blitz pick-ups. They strain and finish in every aspect. doesn’t matter if it’s a big gain or a minimal game, you are going to see that unit get guys on the ground or give some extra love taps when they can. Just athletic enough to make huge impact blocks in space. Consistent with leverage and pad level, and that’s big reason they consistently produce.”
Georgia (7-0)
Georgia ranks 1st nationally (along with Ole Miss and Michigan) with 24 Rushing Touchdowns.
Bulldogs rank 4th nationally in Red Zone Offense, scoring 98 percent of the time with a nation’s best 21 rushing TDs in Red Zone.
Georgia ranks 4th nationally in Total Offense (526.6 ypg) and 10th nationally in Scoring Offense (41.7 ppg).
Georgia has been sacked just seven times in seven games this season (ranks T17th nationally at 1.0 sack/game).
Paved the way for a season-high 292 yards (7.5 yards per carry) and six touchdowns in a 42-10 win over Auburn.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying: “Intimidating physical presence on every snap. Whether it's gap or zone scheme, they continue to find work and get movement at the POA (point of attack). After a sluggish start, they keep getting better and have finally found some continuity to provide some balance to their offensive success.”
Illinois (6-1)
Paved the way for running back Chase Brown who is second in the nation in rushing yards per game (151.3).
Brown has delivered seven straight 100-yard games this season, and is only the third running back in program history to record consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying: “Solid group and getting better. This unit has Bielema’s fingerprints all over it. Their RB is elite and he helps, but they are the straw that stirs the drink and the production is undeniable. Illinois is not rolling the way they are right now without their OL stepping up like they have.”
Kansas State (5-1)
Kansas State enters this week ranked seventh nationally and second among Power 5 teams with 244.5 rushing yards per game.
Kansas State’s current average per game ranks third in school history, while its 5.73 yards per carry ranks ninth nationally and is currently the top mark in school history.
The Wildcats had a season-high 343 rushing yards against Texas Tech, their most in a Big 12 game since posting 345 yards against Oklahoma State in 2016.
Have blocked for the second-best quarterback/running back rushing duo in the nation, as Adrian Martinez and Deuce Vaughn have combined for 1,207 yards rushing yards.
Vaughn and Martinez each had 100-yard rushing games at Oklahoma and against Texas Tech. It marked the first time in school history the Wildcats had double 100-yard games in consecutive games.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“K-State is a scrappy bunch. Play with nice strain and do a nice job of centering up their strikes. They are impressive with the way they sort through blitz look packages and come out on the right side of protection. From OL to TEs to RB, they all punch a clock and get to work. The OL is big and powerful, and they use what they’ve got pretty dang well. Same body types, same toughness, same athletic limitations at times. They have a talented running back, but they make it go. They’ve definitely earned a spot on the honor roll.”
Michigan (7-0)
Michigan ranks ninth in the country and first in the Big Ten in rushing offense (241.7 yards per game).
Michigan has (tied-FBS-leading) 24 rushing touchdowns in the first seven games of the season; RB Blake Corum leads the FBS in total touchdowns (13, all rushing).
The offensive line paved the way for 418 rushing yards against Penn State last weekend (Oct. 15), ranked as the No. 5 FBS rushing defense entering the game.
Penn State allowed 78 rush yards per game before U-M more than quadrupled that; two individual backs (Corum, 166 yards; Edwards, 173 yards) doubled what PSU had allowed per game on average prior to that game; PSU had not allowed a 100-yard rusher so far this season before playing Michigan.
The O-line has helped Corum lead the country in first downs (57) and rank second in rushing yards (901), including 23 runs of 10-plus yards and an FBS-best 13 runs of 20-plus yards
Michigan passers have been hurried or sacked 14 times across 28 quarters of play, and when U-M's starting QB JJ McCarthy is sacked, it comes on an average of 5.1 seconds to throw.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying: “This group may be better than the group that won it last year by the times it’s all said and done. They work so well together. Hip to hip, shoulder to shoulder, and always on same page despite heavy pressure and movement. They sort stuff out so well. That offense, and maybe the entire team, runs thru that O-line room. They are the heartbeat of Michigan’s entire program. Strong and physical group that has added some ‘finishing sauce’ to their menu and are getting better by the week.”
Minnesota (4-2)
Minnesota's rushing game ranked 16th in the nation in averaging 227.3 yards per game.
Ranks T8 in the nation in allowing only 24 tackles per loss per game.
Ranks 17th in the nation in allowing one sack per game.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“Injuries have taken a toll on the offense and made things challenging. Couple steps backwards lately, but body of work for the first 6 weeks is there. Big group that works well together and paves the way for an elite run game.”
Mississippi (7-0)
Blocking for one of the nation’s most prolific rush offenses that currently leads the SEC and ranks No. 3 FBS at 271.1 yards per game; also tied for national lead in rushing touchdowns (24) and are FBS top-15 in: total rushing yards (No. 3, 1,898), total rushing attempts (No. 5, 330), yards per rush (No. 12, 5.75), total offense (No. 14, 502.6 ypg) and scoring offense (No. 15, 40.9 ppg).
Pushed Ole Miss to 448 rushing yards against Auburn on Oct. 15, the most by a Rebel rushing attack since 1962 and the fifth-most in school history (second-best against an SEC opponent); also ranks as seventh-best team performance in FBS for 2022 and the best against a Power-5 opponent.
Blocked for three 100-yard rushers against Auburn, the first time an Ole Miss offense has done so since 1975.
Leads the SEC and ranks No. 3 in the FBS in fewest sacks allowed, yielding just 0.43 per contest.
Has used three different starting lineups among six different starting offensive linemen, including two freshmen.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“The foundation of the Rebs success is their O-line. They’ve created one of the most unique run schemes in all of college football. Despite play call, tempo or formation, they continue to play a physical brand of ball and find ways to finish. They’re asked to do a lot mentally and M/A’s (missed assignments) and M/E’s (mental errors) are rarely made. It is a group that has a great understanding of how to operate with one another to find success.”
Notre Dame (3-3)
Running back Audric Estimé has rushed for 288 yards on 39 carries over the past three games (7.4 yards per carry).
The O-line helped the Irish pile up an amazing 35 first downs in the victory over North Carolina, the most for the program since 36 against Army in 1974.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“Classic case of why you have to watch the film. An incredibly young group that hasn’t played much football together, but the improvement is there. It’s slow, but steady. Teams like BYU are now starting to run blitz their LB because the Irish are powerful with their double teams on down lineman, which is a ‘tell’ about where this unit is headed. The fundamentals, AOC (accelerate on contact), hand leverage, pad level... it’s all there. Will need to be more consistent to advance, but improvement is coming.”
Ohio State (7-0)
The Buckeyes O-line has helped generate 44 plays of 20 or more yards this season. 24 of those 44 plays have gone for 30+ yards, tops in the country (with Tennessee).
Ohio State is second in the FBS in total yards per game (543.7).
Ohio State is No. 1 in the nation in fewest TFLs allowed (19; tied with Tennessee) and No.
1 overall in combined TFLs and sacks allowed (23.0).
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“Big, physical unit with some creatures up front, especially that RT79. Do a nice job covering up defenders and creating space for backs to get it done. Athletic enough and run well is space. Good movement on combos when they get hip to hip. Stretch zone works well for them, and hard to argue with how few negative plays they give up.”
Oregon (5-1)
Oregon leads the nation with just one sack allowed, playing 18 full quarters of football before allowing one.
The Ducks offensive line leads an UO rushing attack that ranks fourth nationally in yards per rush (6.22), tight for eighth in rushing TDs (19) and 10th in yards per game (241.67).
Oregon has rushed for 300-plus yards in back-to-back games, and at least 200 in four of its last five games.
UO did not allow a tackle for loss in week six at Arizona, the first time Oregon has not allowed a TFL in a game since 2010.
The Ducks rushed for seven touchdowns at Arizona, UO’s most in a game since 2017 and most vs. a FBS team since 2012.
Oregon entered the season as one of eight FBS teams with five returning starters along the offensive line.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“A physically impressive unit that looks to dominates. Get some scheme help, but they execute what they’re asked to do. Rock solid pass pro fundamentals. Really good counter/duo reps from this group. Big reason why they’re having so much success on offense.”
Penn State (5-1)
• Penn State’s offensive line has paved the way for the Kaytron Allen-Nicholas Singleton duo to average 133.5 rushing yards per game.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“PSU’s O-line may be the most improved tape I’ve seen. They’ve struggled in recent years to run the football, but this unit is helping change that. Technically sound group that you can tell is coached well. Come off with power and AOC (accelerate on contact) consistently. Hands are tight. Punches are thrown vs being ‘placed’ in PP (pass pro). Footwork and initial landmarks almost always correct. When they miss, they work to correct and reset almost immediately. Not fully there yet, but definitely on their way.”
South Alabama (5-1)
The Jags offensive line unit has paved the way for the South Alabama offense to be in the top 30 in the nation (third in the Sun Belt) in total offense at 462.3 yards per game.
The Jags are currently in the top 60 in the nation in rushing offense (fifth in the Sun Belt) averaging 164.8 yards per game.
The unit has yielded just 1.67 sacks per game and has allowed Carter Bradley to lead the passing offense into the 25 in the nation (fourth in the conference) at 297.5 yards per game.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“What really stands out is that in the true essence of the JMA, they get it done as a unit. Physical off the snap and they drive off the ball in unison, maintaining pad level and fit with good hand placement. They do a tremendous job on staying hip to hip on combos and have great awareness of 2nd level players, as well as handling movement across their face. Strain well and consistently. You see them communicating against blitzing fronts and line games. Nice job of snapping off twists.”
Syracuse (6-0)
The Orange have punted only 16 times this season, which is tied for the ninth-fewest punts in the nation.
RB Sean Tucker and QB Garrett have combined for 37 TDs when playing with one another which is the fifth-highest scoring backfield tandem in program history.
Syracuse leads the ACC with fewest tackles for loss allowed (26).
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“I was pleasantly surprised when I put the tape on. The combo of OC Robert Anae and O-line coach Mike Schmidt is all over the tape. Both have great track records for coaching guys up front. Look for work and work to finish. LT60 pops off the tape and is generous with his face and neck massages. So there is some nasty there, which is Schmidt’s calling card. Work well for most part in pass offs and stunts in PP (pass pro). Group to keep an eye on. It’s coming.”
TCU (6-0)
TCU is No. 2 in the nation with an average of 7.7 yards per play.
TCU has thirty knockdown blocks in six games.
TCU is third in the country in both points per game (45.8) and total offense (526.7) thanks in large part to the play of the offensive line.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“They throw guys around on pin/pull and their LG is a bully. He and LT were imposing wills in 2H of Oklahoma. C looks to finish and maul people as well. They played a 2nd RT at times. Sometimes the boxer were light, but when it came time to move people, they did it. ”
Tennessee (6-0)
The Volunteers 551 total yards of offense per game leads the nation.
Tennessee is tied for first in the country with only 19 tackles for loss allowed.
The Volunteers are No. 5 in the Southeastern Conference and No. 27 in the country in rushing, averaging 203.17 yards per game.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“Strain, fight, physicality are all there. Technique isn’t always what it will need to be to win this award, but they are a huge part of their offensive success. Couldn’t stop watching RG76 vs LSU. He was there to do work, and he accomplished what he set out to do.”
UCLA (6-0)
UCLA total offense is 12th in the nation with 505.7 yards per game.
UCLA 17th in the nation in sacks allowed at 1.00 per game.
UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet 8th in the nation in rushing yards per game (123.0).
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“This group gets after it. Their IOL (interiorO-line) are big and heavy, but they get it done. LT is a big dog with strong hands...once they get on you the rep is done. LG is a sumo wrestler in pads! Pretty decent in space. The QB is the juice for the team, but the O-line helps him do the squeezing.”
USC (6-1)
The Trojans rank No. 20 in the nation in total offense, averaging 475.3 yards per game.
The USC O-line has paved the way for 182.1 rush yards per game, 5.40 yards per carry, and 15 rushing touchdowns.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“USC’s offensive line has been transformed and revitalized under new leadership this season. They are turning the corner. This group has been able to open up running lanes using a variety of schemes with multiple running backs. Riley’s offenses always have a toughness to them, like the 2017 unit that won it [the Joe Moore Award]. Willing to get dirty. Finally have some guys looking for work and keep themselves in front of defenders in passing situations. They are outstanding when asked to block in the play action pass game.”
UAB (4-2)
UAB currently ranks 8th nationally in rushing yards per game (243.6).
Their current average of 243.6 yards per game is on pace to shatter the UAB single season record.
The outstanding play of the offensive line has paved the way for RB DeWayne McBride, who is currently leading the nation in rushing yards per game (155.6).
UAB has rushed for at least 230 yards in five of six games.
UAB has a C-USA best 18 rushing touchdowns this season and has had at least one rushing touchdown in every game this year and multiple rushing touchdowns in five of six games.
UAB’s current pace of 449.0 total yards per game is on pace for the UAB single season record.
What The Voting Committee Is Saying:
“These dudes create space. Perfect for their north south rushing attack. RB’s repeatedly get to LOS [line of scrimmage] with a ton of space between them and defenders. The ability to strain and finish is all over the tape. They are an unselfish bunch who protect their QB well and he rarely gets hit.”
Voting Committee
The Joe Moore Award Voting Committee is comprised of 11 individuals who are highly knowledgeable about offensive line play, including former linemen, coaches, talent evaluators and media analysts. This group conducts in-depth analysis by reviewing game tape every week of the season to assess both the fundamentals and subtleties of overall O-line performance.
The 2022 Voting Committee includes Chairman Cole Cubelic (Auburn, SEC Network); Charles Arbuckle (UCLA, Indianapolis Colts); Randy Cross (UCLA, San Francisco 49ers); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, ESPN); Barrett Jones (Alabama, St. Louis Rams); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach; founder of OL Masterminds); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers, founder Big Boys Club); Sam Schwartzstein (Stanford, XFL rules creator); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers, CBS Sports); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com).
Looking Ahead
Semifinalists will be announced on Tuesday, November 15, and Finalists will be announced after the conference championship games on Tuesday, December 5. Once the finalists have been selected, a vote will be held to select the 2022 recipient of the Joe Moore Award by a voting body of 200-plus members. This voting body includes all of the current offensive line coaches at the Division I/FBS level, as well as former players, coaches, colleagues of Coach Moore and select media members.
In addition to reviewing game tape every week of the season, the Joe Moore Award Voting Committee will later go through each of the finalists’ season-long highlight reels and multiple back-to-back quarters of game film.
Past Award Recipients
Past recipients of the Joe Moore Award include the offensive lines of the University of Alabama (2015), the University of Iowa (2016), the University of Notre Dame (2017), Oklahoma University (2018), LSU (2019), the University of Alabama (2020 - first repeat winner), and the University of Michigan (2021).
About the Joe Moore Award
The Joe Moore Award is named after Joe Moore, widely regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in college football history, most notably for his work at Notre Dame and the University of Pittsburgh. Coach Moore sent 52 players on to the NFL, including Bill Fralic, Mark May, Russ Grimm, Jimbo Covert and others. The Joe Moore Award trophy, crafted by legendary sports sculptor Jerry McKenna, is the largest trophy in college football, standing at a height of 6 feet and weighing in at 800 pounds. The perpetual trophy is made available for display by the winning university until the conclusion of the following college football season.
About The Foundation for Teamwork
The Foundation for Teamwork is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering teamwork in all societal endeavors and bring that spirit of collective achievement to athletics, education, and organizations. Find out more at joemooreaward.com and follow the Joe Moore Award on Twitter (@joemooreaward), Instagram (@joemooreaward), and Facebook (facebook.com/JoeMooreAward).
* AP Poll as of October 16, 2022.
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