ARMY BLACK KNIGHTS WIN THE 2024 JOE MOORE AWARD

Consistency, Toughness, Effort, and Finishing Earn Unprecedented Recognition

Washington, D.C. (December 13, 2024)— The Foundation for Teamwork announced today that the United States Military Academy's offensive line is the recipient of the 2024 Joe Moore Award for Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football.

In a surprise presentation at the team’s hotel in Washington, D.C., ahead of the iconic Army-Navy Game presented by CBS Sports and USAA, Army’s offensive line was honored with the Joe Moore Award—the only award in college football that recognizes an entire unit. This historic achievement marks Army's first-ever Joe Moore Award win and the first time a unit from a military academy or the Group of 5 has received this prestigious honor.

Since 2015, the Joe Moore Award has recognized and celebrated offensive lines that exemplify the ultimate blend of toughness, teamwork, effort, consistency, technique, and a relentless drive to dominate at the line of scrimmage. The Joe Moore Award extends its gratitude to its esteemed Voting Committee and to official Joe Moore Award partner, DonJoy® , for their steadfast support of the award and its mission.

The Black Knights’ offensive line stood out throughout the 2024 season, showcasing their unmatched consistency, toughness, effort, and discipline in a year defined by uneven play across college football. Their performance reflects the values of Duty and Honor, which are ingrained in the United States Military Academies, where character, discipline, and unity are the foundation of success—on the field and beyond.

“I’ve never felt more confident and proud to make this announcement,” said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and co-founder of the Joe Moore Award. Taylor, who played guard and tackle at the University of Notre Dame under the award’s namesake, legendary offensive line coach Joe Moore, reflected on the process. “Every year, despite the hundreds of hours spent on evaluating these units, I still find myself worrying if we got it right—it’s just part of the deal when you take on this kind of responsibility. But this year, that worry has been at an all-time low, because this group embodies everything this award is about. The discussions were fierce, and every voice was heard, but when the votes came in, we spoke with one voice—and that voice was loud and clear: Army’s offensive line was the best in college football this year.”

“Army’s offensive line exemplifies everything Coach Joe Moore stood for,” said Harry Hiestand, Moore disciple and longtime NFL and college offensive line coach.“ This unit has worked tirelessly to uphold the standards of toughness, teamwork, and physical dominance that Joe believed defined great offensive line play.”

“Army stood out early, maintained their dominance throughout the year, and never wavered, said Cole Cubelic, SEC Network sideline analyst, and Chairman of the Joe Moore Award Voting Committee. “Their performance is as deserving as any winner in our award’s 10-year history. It feels fitting and appropriate that this group is the first-ever winner from a military academy and the Group of 5 level—proving once again that excellence has no boundaries. We hope this recognition serves as a salute—not just to their performance on the field, but to the spirit of service and sacrifice they represent.”

“It was a tough contest this year, and we’re thrilled to be the top bracing choice of Army and all the O-lines of the top 25 AP college football poll teams,” said Terry Ross, Group President, Prevention & Recovery at Enovis. “DonJoy has been supporting and protecting football players since we made our first knee brace in a garage in 1978, and we’re proud to be the market leader for college and pro football players.”

Army's starting offensive line featured the same five players throughout the season, a rare feat and a true luxury at the offensive line position. Despite the common and expected challenges of injuries in the trenches, Army’s unit was exceptional at staying healthy, taking care of themselves, and showing up for their teammates each week. Leading the way were senior LT #60 Connor Finucane (13 starts), sophomore LG #71 Paolo Gennarelli (13 starts), sophomore C #51 Brady Small (13 starts), senior RG #53 Bill Katsigiannis (13 starts), and senior RT #65 Lucas Scott (13 starts).

What Army Head Coach, Jeff Monken, Had to Say:

“I’m proud of the performance of our entire team this season but none more than our outstanding offensive line. They are truly the best in the country and the best offensive line on any team I’ve ever been a part of. They are tough, rugged, physical, play together, and are well coached by Mike Viti and Matt Drinkall. They have paved the path for the nation’s best run game and two rushers of over 1000 yards. This award is an honor and a source of pride for our entire team.”

2024 Joe Moore Award Winner at a Glance

Army (11-1)

● Army’s ground game is in a league of its own, leading the FBS with 314.2 rushing yards per game — that’s 47.1 more than anyone else.

● No wasted steps here. Army's consistency and execution have been unmatched, allowing the fewest percentage of rushes for zero or negative yards (11.0%) since Air Force in 2020.

● Clearing lanes like bulldozers, the Black Knights’ O-line has paved the way to a bruising 5.7 yards per rush — their best mark since 2017 and good for 6th in the nation.

● Consistency. Is. King. Army became just the 5th FBS team since 2000 to rumble for 200+ rushing yards and 2+ rushing touchdowns in each of its first 12 games.

● Army’s Big Uglies got the party started / parade rolling with the 4th-most yards

before contact per rush (2.81) in FBS this season. When your backs are untouched, you know the trench work is elite.

● End zone magnets. Army led the FBS with 44 rushing touchdowns this season, piling up scores the way the cadets stacked up victories.

● No fear of a loaded box. Army led the nation in rushing despite facing the highest percentage of plays (80.2%) with 8 or more defenders stacked against them. That’s running right into the teeth of a defense — and still winning.

● Gotta Have It on 4th Down? Automatic. The Black Knights converted an FBS-leading 25 fourth downs this season, turning “do or die” into “do it again.”

What Voters Had to Say:

● “They start the fight, every time. Army doesn’t care who’s more talented — they just outwork, outstrain, and outhustle. They’re everything this position and this award are about: toughness, effort, and a refusal to quit.”

● “The most consistent and physical group I saw all season. Their effort and strain didn’t just show up — it took over. Nobody matched their level of grit and grind all year.”

● “They were the anti-blue bloods. No stars, no size advantage — just fists flying. They punched first. They punched back. And when the dust settled, they punched last.”

● “These guys are proof that greatness isn’t given, it’s earned. Years of hard work forged them into a machine that hit its stride at just the right time.”

● “This group moves as one — 10 boots on the ground, one set of eyes. They’re the engine that lets the offense run smooth and steady, no matter the play. It all starts and ends with them.”

● “Army’s success is a tribute to the discipline, toughness, and work ethic that define our nation’s service academies.”

● “In the run game, they generate maximum impact on contact, creating consistent space for ball carriers while wearing down opponents over four quarters. In pass protection, their technical precision, footwork, and hand usage keep the pocket clean and the quarterback secure. Their teamwork is unmistakable, and their mission-driven approach to offensive success has earned the respect of the voting committee.”

● “A bunch of glass eaters with a taste for punishment. They don’t stop at the whistle — they play through the echo of it. You could see their opponents’ will crack, soften, and finally break. That’s O-line play at its finest.”

● “They come off the ball like they’re shot out of a cannon. Base defense? Doesn’t matter. They create space with leverage, leg drive, and pure aggression. On every play, they’re lower, stronger, and nastier than the men across from them.”

● “Pick a play, any play, and you’ll see why they deserve this award. Their brand of football speaks for itself. They don’t just show up — they dominate.”

● “Even against their toughest opponent, Notre Dame, the O-line showed up with solid fundamentals and execution. They gave themselves a chance against a superior opponent, even when the rest of the offense got challenged at times.”

● “The championship game [versus Tulane] was a thing of beauty. I like Tulane’s LB 15 a lot, but even he eventually got worn out. Being at your best when your best is needed is what the Joe Moore Award is all about, and Army did that all year long.”

Offensive line coaches: Mike Viti & Matt Drinkall

What We Believe

● The best O-lines consistently attack base defenses, secure the line of scrimmage (LOS) against blitzes, and aim to move, punish, and break the will of the men they block at every opportunity. Coach Joe Moore built his lines with this philosophy, emphasizing fundamentals and technique to give the offense the best chance for success—both in a single game and throughout the season.

● The ability to use leverage and leg drive to create space for the running back, while giving the quarterback a clean pocket for protection, exemplifies the execution, technique, and effort we look for.

● Efficient sets and proper hand usage are critical elements of pass protection. While some blocks are tougher than others, when an offensive line has a good, fair look—whether in the run game or pass protection—we expect the best to take full advantage of it, consistently.

● When there are double teams, we should see blockers move defenders off the LOS (line of scrimmage), which is one of the reasons Coach Joe Moore always spent a lot of time on them and prioritized them in preparation.

● Against base, four-man rushes and twists, we expect to see consistent teamwork and execution that secures the pocket.

● When defenses load up to stop an offensive line, creating tougher looks, it’s a sign of respect— a recognition that the O-lines have the potential to take over the game. Earning that respect demands consistent physicality and high-quality execution.

● The O-line cannot control play calls, QB performance, TE blocking, RB decisions, defensive schemes, or their own defense’s effectiveness. These elements, when lacking, can overshadow a line that is performing at a high level. That’s why we rely solely on film study to evaluate and compare similar opportunities where the O-line can truly impose their will on a defense – and become the reason for their offense’s success, not an excuse for its struggles.

Joe Moore: From Soldier to Sidelines

Before becoming one of the most respected offensive line coaches in college football history, Joe Moore’s path was shaped by resilience and perseverance. While attending Penn State, Joe faced academic challenges and, as was the case during that era, failing grades meant being drafted into the military. From May 1953 to May 1955, Joe served as a Private in the U.S. Army, completing basic training in Kentucky before being stationed in Germany. Following his service, Joe returned to Penn State a new man with renewed determination, earning his degree and laying the foundation for a legendary coaching career. At his funeral, Joe was honored with a full military tribute, including the traditional folded flag and ceremonial gun salute, a testament to both his service to his country and the unwavering spirit that defined his life and career.

From Service to Sculpture: Jerry McKenna, Trophy Artist

The Joe Moore Award trophy, the largest in college football, at seven feet tall and 800 pounds, was crafted by legendary sports sculptor Jerry McKenna, a former Air Force officer and decorated Vietnam veteran. McKenna first gained recognition for his bronze portraits of iconic Air Force leaders, including Generals Billy Mitchell, Ira C. Eaker, and Jimmy Doolittle. His works are displayed in museums, parks, churches, universities, halls of fame, and private collections worldwide.Among his most notable achievements, McKenna was commissioned in 1987 to create the Processional Cross for Pope John Paul II’s Mass in San Antonio. Throughout his distinguished career, McKenna has earned numerous accolades, including being named Sports Sculptor of the Year in 2003 by the All-American Football Foundation. This honor recognized his unparalleled contributions, such as seventeen busts in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the iconic Knute Rockne sculpture at the College Football Hall of Fame, and works honoring Charles A. Comiskey at U.S. Cellular Field.

Looking Ahead

This year’s award presentation featured a special twist: the winning unit was surprised with the announcement in their team meeting room while on the road, just days before the annual Army-Navy game. Following the game, the Joe Moore Award trophy will head north to West Point, where it will be proudly displayed until next season, when it will either remain or travel to the 2025 winner.

Voting Committee

The Joe Moore Award Voting Committee is comprised of 15 experts in offensive line play, including former linemen, coaches, talent evaluators, and qualified media analysts. Each week, they conduct in-depth analysis of game tape to evaluate both the fundamentals and nuances of O-line performance. The voting body also includes all FBS offensive line coaches and a Legacy Group of voters who either worked with, played for, or were coached by Joe Moore.

The 2024 Voting Committee includes Charles Arbuckle (UCLA, Indianapolis Colts); Randy Cross (UCLA, San Francisco 49ers); Voting Chairman Cole Cubelic (Auburn, SEC Network); Gerry DiNardo (Notre Dame, head coach at LSU); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, Draft Kings and TNT Game Analyst); Harry Hiestand (Joe Moore disciple, decades-long CFB & NFL O-line coach, 2017 award winner), Greg Hudson (Joe Moore grad assistant, long time college coordinator); Eric Mac Lain (Clemson, studio analyst ACC Network); Trophy Guardian Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach, founder of OL Masterminds); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); Steve Shankweiler (four-decade O-line coach, ECU); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers, CBS Sports); Brandon Thorn (editor of Trench Warfare); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com).

Past Award Recipients

Past recipients of the Joe Moore Award include the University of Alabama (2015 and 2020 – the first repeat winner), the University of Iowa (2016), the University of Notre Dame (2017), Oklahoma University (2018), LSU (2019), the University of Michigan (2021 and 2022 – the first back-to-back winner), and the University of Washington (2023).

About The Joe Moore Award

The Joe Moore Award is named after Coach 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. Throughout his storied career, Coach Moore sent 52 players on to the NFL in just 18 seasons, including Bill Fralic, Mark May, Russ Grimm, Jimbo Covert and others.

About the Trophy

The Joe Moore Award trophy, crafted by legendary sports sculptor and Air Force Veteran, Jerry McKenna, is the largest trophy in college football—and likely in all of sports. Standing 7 feet tall, 6 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and tipping the scales at a staggering 800 pounds, it’s as massive as the principles and offensive lines it honors. The idea was simple: if it takes five to earn it, it should take five to lift it. What co-founder Aaron Taylor didn’t plan on was always being one of the five. He often says he regrets this, jokingly, as moving the already iconic trophy from Point A to Point B has become a significant part of the ceremony.

About The Foundation for Teamwork

The Foundation for T eamwork is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering teamwork in all societal endeavors and bringing 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).

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Joe Moore Award Announces Partnership with The Brandr Group, Unveils First Sponsorship with Enovis’ DonJoy

Partnership Expands Opportunities for Team-focused Award

to Engage Athletes

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. - The Joe Moore Award, awarded annually to college football’s most outstanding offensive line unit, has announced an innovative partnership with The Brandr Group (TBG) that will open new doors to Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for award nominees. The first partnership is with medical technology growth company Enovis™, as its DonJoy® brand will sponsor the award this season.

The Joe Moore Award is the only major college football award to honor a group of players rather than a singular student-athlete, and each season it recognizes the toughest, most physical offensive line in the country. Earlier this month, the semifinalists were unveiled for this year’s honor, including Florida State, Georgia, Kansas State, LSU, Michigan, Missouri, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.

The partnership with TBG lays the groundwork for multiple partners to engage with the Joe Moore Award, establishing it a trendsetter in embracing the potential of NIL to benefit its honorees, while also recognizing the value of teamwork.

“The Joe Moore Award gives the big men their due, paying homage to the tough, physical offensive lines who do the dirty work to help their team succeed on the field,” said Aaron Taylor, a two-time All-American offensive lineman at Notre Dame and Super Bowl winner in the NFL. “We’ve always been proud to honor a group of athletes, recognizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration. It’s a natural next step for us to push the envelope by building this innovative partnership with The Brandr Group, and we’re thrilled that DonJoy will be our first official partner.”

DonJoy will be featured as an official partner in the finalist and winner announcement videos narrated by Taylor, the award's co-founder, executive director of the Foundation for Teamwork and a CBS Sports college football commentator. Scheduled for release in December, the videos are projected to reach millions of viewers via social media channels including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

“Offensive linemen must be in peak physical condition to excel on the field and ultimately win the Joe Moore Award,” says Terry Ross, President, Enovis Bracing and Supports. “This sponsorship highlights the association between our best-in-class product technology that helps protect the ‘best of the best’ offensive line units and epitomizes our dedication to Creating Better Together™.”

Nearly all college football teams use DonJoy products, and more than 95 percent of Division I linemen trust the DonJoy Defiance® knee brace to prevent injury. This sponsorship further demonstrates DonJoy’s already robust dedication to college football and highlights the critical role DonJoy products play in enhancing athletes’ stability and support to help them consistently perform at their best.

"This partnership allows Enovis and DonJoy to celebrate the season's best offensive line units and is a testament to the team at the Joe Moore Award that they want to create opportunities for student-athletes to actively promote the award and their teammates’ success,” said Chris Marciani with TBG.

About The Brandr Group

The Brandr Group (TBG) is a brand management, marketing and licensing agency powered by a team with decades of collective management experience for some of the world’s largest brands. TBG has emerged as the leading agency in group licensing programs, with rights to more than 90 college athletic programs and their student-athletes in the Name, Image and Likeness category including the biggest brands in college athletics. TBG partners with prominent brands, colleges, sponsors, corporate trademarks, athletes and events to cultivate, diversify and monetize intellectual property through professional brand management and licensing endeavors. For more information, please visit tbgusa.com.

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. Over 18 seasons, 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.  Past recipients of the Joe Moore Award include the offensive lines of Alabama (2015, 2020), Iowa (2016), Notre Dame (2017), Oklahoma (2018), LSU (2019) and Michigan (2021, 2022).

About the Foundation for Teamwork

The Foundation for Teamwork, home of The Joe Moore Award, is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering teamwork in all societal endeavors and bringing that spirit of collective achievement to athletics, education, and organizations.

About Enovis®

Enovis Corporation (NYSE: ENOV) is an innovation-driven medical technology growth company dedicated to developing clinically differentiated solutions that generate measurably better patient outcomes and transform workflows. Powered by a culture of continuous improvement, global talent and innovation, the Company’s extensive range of products, services and integrated technologies fuels active lifestyles in orthopedics and beyond. The Company’s shares of common stock are listed in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ENOV. For more information about Enovis, please visit www.enovis.com.

2023 Joe Moore Award Semifinalists Announced

Twelve Units Earn Semifinalist Honor Through Tough, Physical O-Line Play

NEW YORK, New York – November 14, 2023 — The Foundation for Teamwork announced today twelve semifinalists for the 2023 Joe Moore Award, given to the top offensive line unit in college football. The Joe Moore Award has annually presented the unique award since 2015. 

The twelve  semifinalists include (in alphabetical order): No. 4 Florida State, No. 1 Georgia, No. 23 Kansas State, No. 15 LSU, No. 2 Michigan, No. 11 Missouri, No. 20 Notre Dame, No. 6 Oregon, No. 10 Oregon State, No. 21 Tennessee, No. 7 Texas, and No. 5 Washington. 

For games played through November 11th, the 2023 Joe Moore Award semifinalists have a combined record of 102-18 and represent five FBS conferences and one independent: ACC (1), BIG TEN (1), BIG-12 (2), PAC-12 (3), SEC (4), and Notre Dame. Combined, these teams average 470.5 total yards per game (compared to national average of 387.1) and 181.7 rushing yards per game (compared to national average 155.0), and represent seven of the Top 10 and all twelve are in the Top 25 in the latest AP poll.*

“Once again the cream has started rising to the top, and the common thread with this year’s semifinalists is that their high level of play has directly translated into the success of their teams,” said Cole Cubelic, SEC Network sideline analyst, and Chairman of the Voting Committee. “O-line play is defined by being at your best when your best is needed, and with just a few more opportunities left in 2023, the committee is looking forward to the coming weeks to see which units can continue to separate themselves when it matters most.”

The Joe Moore Award finalists will be named on Tuesday, December 5th. The eventual winner will be recognized in the ensuing weeks during a surprise, on campus visit to the winning unit’s school (TBD as per the winning school’s schedule).  

“Like in year’s past, in addition to the extensive film review and voting committee conference calls, we also solicited the opinions of more than ninety FBS head coaches that had personally faced many of the O-line units under consideration,” said Phil Steele, analyst and founder of the popular preseason magazine Phil Steele's College Football Preview. “It’s been an honor to be a part of an award that matters so much to the O-line community, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

“There is an undeniable relationship between excellence at our position and winning football,” said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and co-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. “The exciting thing this year is that it’s still wide open, and these last few weeks will be extremely important in determining which unit earns the right to be considered the most outstanding in college football.”

2023 Semifinalists at a Glance

Florida State (10-0) 

• Boston College did not record a tackle for loss, including sacks, in the Noles win in Week 3. It was the first time against an FBS opponent - and just the second time in school history - that FSU did not allow a TFL in a game.

• The Noles starting five last week against Miami combined for 198 starts.

• All eight players on Florida State's two-deep offensive line depth chart are juniors or seniors, and all eight are in at least their fourth year playing college football.

• FSU has earned three ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors this season: Harris against No. 5 LSU, Emmanuel was a co-winner against Southern Miss, and Washington won against Virginia Tech.

• What the committee is saying: “Tough group that has played through a variety of injuries. Pretty versatile and athletic. Excel in open space in the screen game, and solid in pass pro picking up stunts and blitzes with other position groups. Unit by committee with 8+ guys contributing throughout the year. Do a good job of getting plays started and eliminating negative plays.” 

Offensive line coach: Alex Atkins

Georgia (10-0)

• Georgia's o-line leads the SEC and is ranked seventh nationally after allowing just nine sacks in 10 games (0.90/g).

• OL has helped allow first-year starting QB Carson Beck rank sixth nationally in Completion Percentage at 72.2

• The Bulldogs rank sixth nationally in Scoring, averaging 40.6 pts/game en route to a 10-0 record, including a 7-0 mark against SEC competition 

• Ranks fifth nationally in Total Offense at 504.8 yards/game, including 7.3 yards/play

• OL has helped the Bulldogs rank first nationally in 3rd Down Conversion Percentage (56 percent)

• What the committee is saying: “The Georgia O-line Machine rolls on. Not many units could lose their best player [RT Amarius Mims] in Week 3 and replace him with their LG [Xavier Truss] and not skip a beat. It looks a bit different this year, but the high level of production through all of the injuries on that side of the ball is remarkable. Searels does a great job and this may be the year they break through.” 

Offensive line coach: Stacy Searels

Kansas State (7-3)

• Kansas State ranks 14th nationally in rushing yards per game (202.1).

• The Wildcats are tied for 12th overall and tied for first in the Big 12 (with Oklahoma) with 25 rushing TDs.

• K-State’s 38.8 points per game this season ranks 12th nationally, second in the Big 12 and sixth in school history.

• The Wildcats’ 452.5 yards of total offense per game rank 20th nationally and second in school history, while their 6.24 yards per play rank sixth in school history.

• The K-State offensive line paved the way for a 207-yard, four-touchdown performance by DJ Giddens in a win over UCF, the first 200-yard, four-touchdown game in school history and one of only four in the nation this year.

• The K-State offensive line helped true freshman quarterback Avery Johnson score five rushing touchdowns in a win at Texas Tech. It was the most rushing touchdowns by a true freshman nationally since Oklahoma's Samaje Perine also had 5 vs. Kansas back in 2014.

• What the committee is saying: “Kansas State is one of the most consistent units we see year in and year out. They typically rely on toughness and physicality to soften up defensive fronts and this year is no exception. If opponents aren't ready to buckle up and play with focus and grit, Kansas State will hurt their feelings over the course of sixty minutes.”

Offensive line coach: Conor Riley

LSU (7-3)

• LSU leads the nation in yards per rush at 6.32 and has scored 28 rushing TDs (tied for No. 4 nationally).

• LSU has rushed for 200+ yards in 6 straight games.

• LSU has only been stopped for negative rushing yards on 2 designed run plays the entire season

• LSU has started the same offensive line combination in 8 of 9 games

• LSU leads the nation in total offense with 560.2 yards per game

• What the committee is saying: “Interesting unit that plays with physicality and looks to finish whenever it gets the chance. Scheme and mobile QB help, but they have been consistent for most of the year and give that elite QB a lot of time to operate. Run their feet and strain well. All seem to anchor well in pass pro and they are expected to win 1 on 1 and usually do. Ain't always pretty, but always effective.” 

Offensive line coach: Brad Davis

Michigan (10-0)

• Blocks for a top-10 scoring offense and the nation's top scorer in Blake Corum.

• Yielded 12 sacks in 10 games, 16th nationally, protecting the nation's No. 2 quarterback in completion percentage and passer rating.

• Allowing 3.6 negative plays per game, 5th nationally, with all five starters at 400-plus snaps including four at 500-plus snaps.

•  Helped U-M convert 42-of-47 red zone chances with 36 touchdowns.

• Interior trio combined for one sack, 16 pressures allowed on 1,609 pass-blocking snaps.

• What the committee is saying: “They’ve been consistent all season long. They see it so well and move as one. Very solid technique and rarely if ever on the ground. Work their combos effortlessly and pick up and sort through trash as well as anyone in the country. Definitely in the mix to win the whole dang thing again. Remarkable how consistent this run has been for them.”

Offensive line coach: Sherrone Moore

Missouri (8-2)

• Missouri running back Cody Schrader has ran behind an offensive line to the tune of an SEC leading 1,124 yards on the ground.

• The Mizzou OL has been instrumental in the Tigers having a 100-yard rusher in four of the last five games, including the only 100 yard rusher that Georgia has allowed since the 2020 season

• In its most recent game, Missouri rushed for 255 yards against a Tennessee team that entered the game allowing just 97 yards per game on the ground to rank among the top 12 nationally

• Mizzou OL unit was instrumental in RB Cody Schrader’s performance against Tennessee, becoming the first player in SEC history to run for 200+ yards and have 100+ yards in receiving.

• What the committee is saying: “One of the surprise units this year that has been really fun to watch. They run the hell out of that stretch play and run it to perfection. They play hard. Their RT is raw but has a chance to be a really good one. C and RG play hard and are grinders. Play very well together and understand how to win in that system.”

Offensive line coach: Brandon Jones

Notre Dame (7-3)

• In 2023 in non-goal line situations and on non-QB rushes, Notre Dame averages six yards per carry, with an impressive 16.4 percent of those attempts resulting in gains of 10 yards or more.

• Notre Dame has held five of 10 opponents to their lowest sack totals of the year, including No. 6 Ohio State and No. 10 USC. Notre Dame’s offense this season ranks 14th in the nation in tackles for loss allowed (4.10/game)

• Notre Dame has been in goal-line situations (five yards or less) 15 times this season. The Irish have converted each time, including nine rushing touchdowns, four passing touchdowns, and two field goals (one of which was forced by the end of a half). 

• Notre Dame has rushed for more yards than the opposing defense's average rushing yards allowed this season in seven out of ten games. 

• What the committee is saying: “They are more than their talented LT. Scrappy unit that had some growing pains at times, but as the season wore on, even with some moving pieces, they were asked to carry the load for the offense and they did. Not sure they move on from here, but from a body of work standpoint, they make the cut.”

Offensive line coach: Joe Rudolph

Oregon (9-1)         

• Leads the nation with just four sacks allowed, and tied for third with just 32 TFLs allowed.

• Oregon also leads the nation in scoring offense (46.3 PPG), first downs per game (26.8) and fewest turnovers (4), while ranking second in total offense (540.0 YPG), yards per rush (6.16) and total yards per play (7.84).

• UO is one of just three teams in the top 20 for both passing offense (2nd, 338.7 YPG) and rushing offense (16th, 201.30 YPG).

• Three Ducks have combined to win the Joe Moore Award Pancake Block of the Week five times already this season – Jackson Powers Johnson has won it three teams, while Ajani Cornelius and Steven Jones each won it once.

• What the committee is saying: “Man, these dudes out here on the West Coast are trying to hurt people’s feelings. Like it's personal to them. They play with a physicality and finish to them that is glorious to watch. They’ve become a JMA manistay due to their steady play and ability to grind on teams in the run game. They look to punish and pile drive in pass pro, and display a level of physicality that is rare in today’s college game. Fun unit with the goods to advance, if not win it.” 

Offensive line coach: A’Lique Terry

Oregon State (8-2)

• The Beavers are third best in the PAC-12 and tied for 19th nationally in fewest sacks allowed (14).

• Oregon State is ninth in the FBS in yards per carry (5.39).

• THe Beavers are third in the PAC-12 with 196.9 rush yards per game. 

• What the committee is saying: “Classic Michalczik. Tough. Physical. Next man up mentality. It's clear that the Beavers’ offensive success is built around their front. They’ve had to navigate some injuries this year, but still playing well and running the ball at a high level.”

Offensive line coach: Jim Michalczik

Tennessee (7-3)

• Despite a rash of injuries this season to three different positions on the line, this unit spearheads an offense that ranks second in the SEC and eighth in the nation in rushing yards per game at 213.3. 

• Has allowed only 16 sacks this season, representing the second-fewest in the SEC behind only Georgia (9).

• Paves the way and protects for an offensive unit that puts up 454.8 yards per game, which is fourth in the SEC and 17th in the nation.

• Leads the way for an offense that averages 6.58 yards per play, which is 21st in the nation

• Has allowed only 16 sacks this season, representing the second-fewest in the SEC behind only Georgia (9).

• Allows only 1.60 sacks per game, second-fewest in the SEC and the fewest by a Tennessee offensive line in 10 years since the 2013 squad allowed 1.25 per game.

• What the committee is saying: “This group plays their tail off. Missed their center the first couple of weeks, and when he came back that made a difference. They admittedly benefit from tempo and light boxes. Struggled a bit vs Florida inside, but I believe their body of work warrants inclusion.” 

Offensive line coach: Glen Elarbee

Texas (9-1)

• The Longhorns have featured the same starting five in nine of 10 games this season: 

• Texas is 14th nationally in total offense (459.3 ypg) with 183.5 rushing (33rd) and 275.8 passing (27th), while scoring 33.8 points per game (25th).

• The Texas offensive line has opened holes for running back Jonathon Brooks, who prior to getting injured this week was a leading candidate for the Doak Walker Award and a midseason All-American. Brooks ranks sixth in the nation in rushing yards (1,139), seventh in rushing yards per game (113.9), and sixth in all-purpose yards (142.5).

• What the committee is saying: “Texas looks the part and they've improved noticeably from 2022 to 2023 to gain the attention of the selection committee. The unit stands out with pass protection and they are consistent in playing with inside hands and consistent strain through the whistle. Steve Sarkisian's offense requires an offensive line that is balanced in their run/pass technique and duties and the Longhorns are just that. [O-line coach Kyle] Flood’s unit at Bama won it in 2022, and you can really see his handiwork with this group.”

Offensive line coach: Kyle Flood

Washington (10-0)

• The Huskies, who are 10-0 and ranked No. 5, lead the nation in passing offense, and are No. 6 in total offense.

• Washington is also No. 4 in scoring offense, No. 13 in third-down conversion percentage, and No. 6 in fourth-down conversion percentage.

• The Huskies’ o-line is also responsible for the team ranking No. 4 in the nation in fewest sacks allowed.

• Washington has allowed just seven sacks in 10 games (0.70 per game), and only 36 tackles for loss.

• Washington has used, primarily, six players on its o-line, with four of those starting every game. LT Troy Fautana and RT Roger Rosengarten have started every game, while RS-Fr. Parker Brailsford has started all 10 games – 2 at RG and 8 at center; while Nate Kalepo has 9 starts at LG and one at RG. Additionally, Julius Buelow has made one start at LG and 3 at RG, while Geirean Hatchett has four starts at RG.

• What the committee is saying: “Washington's group plays with a relentless effort and enjoys finish blocks. I even heard there is a Right Side / Left Side competition between them. This group that looks to punish opponents and it shows with them being one of the best in the country at yards before contact for their running backs, highlighted by Dillion Johnson's 199 yards before contact against USC.While they do not rush the ball as often as other teams, they get the job done when they do. Pass pro is certainly not passive with this group. Reminds me a bit of the 2019 LSU winning unit. Nasty, nasty group that’s got a real chance to prove they are this year’s best.”

Offensive line coach: Scott Huff

Units of Interest: In addition to the offensive line units listed above, committee members also took note of the play and production of the following units: 

Miami (FL): “Mario and Mirabals’s group may be the most improved unit year over year. The job they have done is amazing. They are physical and work to set the tone and are asked to move people out of the way and they do. Gotta stay consistent versus the stronger competition, but don’t be surprised if they win the award in the next couple of years.” 

Iowa: “I was admittedly surprised at what I saw when I turned on the Rutgers tape. You see all you need to see from a fundamentals standpoint in the first two plays. Landmarks, first steps. pad level, hand placement, strain, finishing. It’s all there. It’s been a tough year for them offensively, but the bright spot might be how their o-line finishes the season. Probably a year early for this group, but their improvement and adherence to the essence of fundamentals 

SMU: “This is a fun group to watch. They like to get downhill and mix it up. Fun scrappy group. They embody what we like for the award. They gave Oklahoma more than they signed up for. Garrin [Justice] does a really nice job with his group.”

Looking Ahead

After the finalists have been selected, a vote will be held to select the 2023 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. 

Semifinalist Criteria and Selection Process

The Joe Moore Award voting committee judges solely on six criteria: toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique and finishing. 

Evaluations for the midseason honor roll were made solely through weekly review of actual game film and offensive line coach-provided cut-ups. 

Voting Committee

The Joe Moore Award voting committee comprises 10 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 offensive line performance. 

The 2023 voting committee includes Chairman Cole Cubelic (Auburn, SEC Network); Charles Arbuckle (UCLA, Indianapolis Colts); Randy Cross (UCLA, San Francisco 49ers); Gerry DiNardo (Notre Dame, head coach at LSU); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, ESPN); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com).

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), the University of Oklahoma (2018), LSU (2019), the University of Alabama (2020 - first repeat winner), and the University of Michigan (2021 and 2022 - first back to back winner)

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. Over 18 seasons, 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 bringing that spirit of collective achievement to athletics, education, and organizations. 

Learn More or Follow Us 

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  November 12th, 2023.

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JOE MOORE AWARD ANNOUNCES 2023 MIDSEASON HONOR ROLL

Twenty-Three Offensive Line Units Gain Attention of Voting Committee

NEW YORK (Oct. 17, 2023) — The Joe Moore Award for the Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football today revealed the members of its 2023 Midseason Honor Roll, announced The Foundation for Teamwork, which has presented the unique award since 2015.

Earning a spot on this year’s midseason honor roll are the offensive lines of No. 22 Air Force,  Clemson, No. 16 Duke, Florida, No. 4 Florida State, No. 1 Georgia, Kansas State, Kentucky, No. 21 Louisville, No. 19 LSU, Miami, No. 2 Michigan, No. 20 Missouri, No. 15 Notre Dame, No. 3 Ohio State, No. 9 Oregon, No. 12 Oregon State, No. 7 Penn State, No. 17 Tennessee, No. 8 Texas, UCF, No. 5 Washington, and Wyoming. 

This year’s honor roll members represent eight conferences and two independents (in alphabetical order): ACC (5), BIG TEN (3), BIG-12 (3), MWC (2), PAC-12 (3), SEC (6), and Notre Dame. For games played through Oct. 16, teams on this year’s honor roll had a combined record of 122-26 and includes sixteen 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. 14 and finalists on Dec. 5. Selection of the 2023 Joe Moore Award winner will be made public after a surprise visit to the winning university’s campus in late December.

“The offensive line units on the 2023 Midseason Honor Roll have caught the attention of the committee through the October 14 weekend, by demonstrating some or all of the award criteria in a recognizable way,” said Cole Cubelic, chairman of the Joe Moore Award voting committee. “The bar will raise significantly from here, and the consistency required to earn further recognition will be how the elite units eventually separate themselves.” 

“It’s been fun to watch these units come together and begin to elevate their play as the year has progressed,” said Lance Zierlein, JMA voting committee member and NFL Draft analyst. “Our experience has shown that the cream begins to rise to the top from here on out, so we’ll keep a closer eye on all units to see how they finish down the stretch, especially in November. As always, having some depth and staying healthy will be critical.”

Units of Interest

In addition to the offensive line units listed above, committee members also took note of the play and production of Appalachian State, Boston College, Liberty, Louisiana, and Troy. 

2023 Midseason Honor Roll at a Glance

Air Force (6-0)

• Air Force leads the MW and leads the nation in rushing (334.2).

• Air Force is second in the nation in sacks allowed with three.

Clemson (4-2)

• Clemson ranks fourth in the ACC in rushing yards per game (188.2).

• The Tigers have only yielded 9 sacks through six games this season. 

Duke (5-1) 

• Duke leads the ACC in rushing yards per game (198.5) and rushing TDs (17).

• The Blue Devils offensive line unit has given up the fewest sacks in the ACC (5).

Florida (5-2)

• The Gators offense is sixth in the SEC in total yards per game (421.7). 

• Florida’s twelve rushing touchdowns are tied for sixth with Alabama and Tennessee. 

Florida State (6-0)

• The Seminoles lead the ACC and are fifth in the country with an average of 3.50 TFLs allowed per game. 

• FSU has earned half of the league's ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors this season.

Georgia (7-0)

• Georgia’s offensive line unit has paved the way for an SEC best 19 rushing touchdowns. 

• OL leads the SEC and is ranked 12th nationally after allowing just six sacks in seven games (0.86/g)

• Bulldogs are piling up 509.4 yards/game, which ranks fifth nationally.

Kansas State (4-2)

• Kansas State ranks 11th nationally and fifth among Power 5 programs in rushing yards per game (214.3).

• The Wildcats are tied for fourth overall and tied for first among Power 5 programs (with Georgia) with 19 rushing TDs.

• Kansas State has scored 24 touchdowns on 29 red zone attempts (82.8%) as its 24 red-zone touchdowns are tied for eighth nationally and tops in the Big 12.

Kentucky (4-2)

• Kentucky has only allowed eleven sacks this season, third best in the SEC. 

• The Wildcats have only allowed 32 tackles for loss, fourth best in the SEC. 

Louisville (6-1)

• Louisville offense is the third best in the ACC in total yards per game (464.0).

• The Louisville offensive line has provided protection for the third best passing game in the ACC (285.7). 

LSU (5-2)

• LSU’s offensive line has helped pave the way for a Tiger offense that ranks among the Top 10 nationally in 7 categories: No. 2 in first downs (27.7), No. 2 in total offense (550.4), No. 2 3rd-down conversions (57.5 pct.), No. 3 in scoring (45.3), No. 4 pass efficiency (188.0 rating), No. 7 in passing (337.7), No. 10 in rushing (214.6).

• LSU has had only 1 designed running play go for negative yardage and that was in the season-opener.

Miami (4-2)

• The Hurricanes are averaging 191.0 rushing yards per game, which is ranked as the 27th highest in FBS and the 3rd  highest in the ACC.

• The Hurricanes running backs rank No. 15 in FBS and No. 10 among all Power-5 programs with an average of 5.41 rushing yards per carry. Starting running back Henry Parrish’s average of 6.2 yards per carry is the 16th best mark in FBS and the 11th best mark in Power-5.

Michigan (7-0)

• Michigan's offensive line has allowed only seven sacks on the season (1.0 per game), the 14th-fewest nationally. With that unit as the engine, U-M permits the second-fewest negative plays per game (2.71) of any team in the country.

• The offense supports the national leader in rushing touchdowns in Blake Corum (12) and the co-leader in receiving touchdowns in Roman Wilson (9).

• The run game has produced 18 touchdowns (tied-eight, FBS) with ball carriers averaging 4.9 yards per carry. The team averages 182 rushing yards per game with only 75 negative rushing yards on 261 carries.

Missouri (6-1)

• Missouri’s offensive line has helped the Tigers gain the fourth most yards per game in the SEC (445.4). 

• The Tigers passing offense is fourth best in the SEC (305.6).

Notre Dame (6-2)

• Notre Dame’s offense this season ranks 10th in the nation in tackles for loss allowed (3.75/game), 14th in team passing efficiency (167.65) and passes had intercepted (3), and 15th in total first downs (160).

• The Irish offensive line has paved the way for running back Audric Estimé, the leading rusher among all Power 5 players (787 yards), to rush for at least 95 yards in five games this season, including three-consecutive weeks of 100+-rushing yard games (116 vs. Tennessee State, 134 vs. NC State, 176 vs. Central Michigan).

Ohio State (6-0)

• Ohio State leads the Big Ten in total yards per game (443.0).

• The Buckeyes have yielded ten sacks through six games this year. 

Oregon (5-1)

• The Ducks offensive line has combined for 90 knockdowns through six games, led by 19 from Powers-Johnson.

• Oregon is tied for fourth in the nation with just four sacks allowed, and tied for ninth with only 24 tackles for loss given up.

• Oregon leads the nation in scoring (48.5 PPG) and is one of just two teams (LSU) to rank in the top 10 in both rushing (8th, 221.67 YPG) and passing offense (9th, 331.7 YPG).

Oregon State (6-1)

• Oregon State is fourth in the Pac 12 in rushing yards per game (195.1). 

• The Beavers have only yielded eight sacks through seven games, third best in the Pac 12. 

Penn State (6-0)

• Through six games in 2023, the Nittany Lions' offensive line has allowed just 34 pressures and three sacks.

• In 2023, Penn State ranks fifth in the nation in sacks allowed per game (0.67), seventh in tackles for loss allowed per game (3.67) and 15th in rushing offense (203.3).

• The four games without allowing a sack were the most for Penn State since 2011 (five games).

Tennessee (5-1)

• Despite several injuries during the first half of the season, Tennessee’s offensive line has paved the way for a rushing unit that is putting up 231.3 yards per game, which is tops in the SEC and sixth nationally. The Vols are averaging 5.9 yards per rush, which is fifth nationally.

• The highlight of the offensive line has come in the last two SEC games as the Vols pounded out 238 rushing yards vs. South Carolina and 232 rushing yards vs. Texas A&M, who came into the game with the SEC’s best rushing defense, allowing only 84.0 yards per game. 

Texas (5-1)

• Texas returns all five starters along the offensive line with Kelvin Banks, Jr., Hayden Conner, Jake Majors, Cole Hutson and Christian Jones back for the 2023 season. It marks the first time since at least 1993 that all five starters return.

• The Texas offensive line has opened holes for running back Jonathon Brooks, who ranks fourth in the nation in rushing yards per game (121.0), sixth in all-purpose yards (141.17) and ninth in rushing yards (726).

Washington (6-0)

• The Huskies lead the FBS in passing yards per game (424.7).

• This physical unit is 5th best in sacks allowed, allowing just four sacks in six games.

UCF (3-3)

• UCF’s offensive line has been an integral part of the Knights ranking third nationally in rushing offense, averaging 246.3 rushing yards per game. 

• Additionally, UCF is fourth nationally in total offense with 516.7 yards per game. 

• Both of those marks lead the Big 12 Conference.

Wyoming (5-2) 

• The physical Cowboys offensive line has registered 146 knockdowns through seven games,  – an average of 16 knockdowns  per game,

• Despite multiple injuries at the running back and quarterback position, Wyoming has been able to maintain an average of 5.3 yards per rush.

Honor Roll Criteria and Selection Process

The Joe Moore Award voting committee judges solely on six criteria: toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique and finishing. 

Evaluations for the midseason honor roll were made solely through weekly review of actual game film and offensive line coach-provided cut-ups. 

Voting Committee

The Joe Moore Award voting committee comprises 10 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 offensive line performance. 

The 2023 voting committee includes Chairman Cole Cubelic (Auburn, SEC Network); Charles Arbuckle (UCLA, Indianapolis Colts); Randy Cross (UCLA, San Francisco 49ers); Gerry DiNardo (Notre Dame, head coach at LSU); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, ESPN); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com).

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), the University of Oklahoma (2018), LSU (2019), the University of Alabama (2020 - first repeat winner), and the University of Michigan (2021 and 2022 - first back to back winner)

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. Over 18 seasons, 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 bringing that spirit of collective achievement to athletics, education, and organizations. 

Learn More or Follow Us 

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 Oct. 15

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Michigan Wolverines Win Unprecedented Back to Back Joe Moore Awards

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES FIRST TO WIN BACK-TO-BACK JOE MOORE AWARDS AS NATION’S BEST OFFENSIVE LINE UNIT

Teamwork, Effort, Consistency, and Late-Season Poise Impressed Voters

ANN ARBOR, MI - December 17, 2022 - In a presentation on the campus of the University of Michigan in Schembechler Hall, the Foundation for Teamwork announced this evening that the Wolverine offensive line is the winner of the 2022 Joe Moore Award (JMA) for the most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football. This is the second year in a row that the Wolverines have won this coveted award, making them the first ever unit to do so. Michigan is the second unit from the BIG-TEN (Iowa, 2015) to accomplish this noteworthy achievement.

The Joe Moore Award is named after Joe Moore, widely regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in college football history, and is the only major college football award to honor a group or unit. The award annually recognizes the nation’s Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit that best display the fundamental and historical aspects of great offensive line play: Toughness, Effort, Teamwork, Consistency, Technique, and Finishing.

Michigan's starting O-line featured tackle Karsen Barnhart (8 starts), guard Gio El-Hadi (3 starts), tackle Ryan Hayes (11 starts), guard Trevor Keegan (10 starts), center Olusegun Oluwatimi (13 starts), tackle Jeffrey Persi (1 start), tackle Trente Jones (6 starts), and guard Zak Zinter (13 starts). In addition, tight ends Max Bredeson (1 start), Joel Honigford, converted O-lineman (1 start), Colston Loveland (5 starts) and Luke Schoonmaker (10 starts) warrant mention as key contributors to Michigan’s success. The O-line was coached by Donald C. Graham Football Offensive Line Coach and Sanford Robertson Co-Offensive Coordinator, Sherrone Moore. 

“This was a year of firsts, and never before have we had a back to back winner, and never before have we had just two units as finalists,” said Geoff Schwartz, eight year NFL veteran, lead analyst for Sirius XM - Pac 12 channel, and voting committee member since 2017. “The difference was just five votes. Five. And that is an incredible testament to both Georgia and Michigan, and their incredible efforts throughout the season. This was also clearly a year of contrasting styles, which made for some interesting conversations leading up to the voting process, which is likely why it was so close at the end.” 

Pro Football and College Football Hall of Famer, Jimbo Covert, who was coached by Joe Moore at the University of Pittsburgh, spoke directly to the winning unit via a private and personal video message shown in the weight room in front of their teammates and coaches shortly after the on field presentation. “Congratulations on being the first ever back-to-back winner of the Joe Moore Award,” said Covert, also a former teammate with Wolverine head coach, Jim Harbaugh, at the Chicago Bears. “The reason I voted for you is that you dominated the line of scrimmage all year long, but what really impressed me was the Ohio State game. Great offensive lines take control of the football game when they have to – their teammates depend on them to do it – and you did it. You ran the football down their throat and won the football game, which put you in the position [contending for a national championship] that you are today.” 

The voting body that determines each year’s winner includes all 131 current OL coaches at the FBS/Div 1 level, a legacy committee of former coaches, players, & colleagues of coach Joe Moore, and select media with vast experience and strong ties to college football or scouting. 

“When determining who has earned the right to win this award, it starts with evaluating the six key criteria, which is largely a subjective process” said Duke Manyweather, founder of OL Masterminds, the largest aggregation of NFL and CFB O-line talent in the world, voting committee member, and Trophy Guardian since 2015. “From there, the difficult question becomes which of the criteria mattered most? As a voter, do I appreciate toughness and finishing more than consistency and technique? Does this team win because of this unit, or despite them? Did they step up in what we call the “Gotta Have It” moments (3rd/4th Down and Goal to Go situations) when their teams needed them the most? Does their team win because of their unit or their scheme? In the end, the voting body is just a bunch of fat kids picking their favorite flavor of ice cream, and I’m not surprised by how close the vote was this year because both finalists were outstanding…but ultimately Michigan proved to be the Flavor of the Year in 2022.” 

“Michigan set themselves apart by their steady improvement through effort, consistency, and playing the game through ‘one set of eyes’- which in our world is synonymous for playing extremely together - as one.” said Cole Cubelic, lead sideline analyst for the SEC Network and Chairman of the Joe Moore Award voting committee. “As punishing and physically impressive as Georgia was, the collective voting body felt strongly that Michigan, above all others, was at their best when their best was needed, and that really seemed to be the differentiator. The committee also recognizes that there is still more football to be played, and we’re excited to watch all of our milestone recipients finish their seasons strongly. ”

“The O-line position is extremely difficult to evaluate, especially when doing so for entire units with differing styles of play,” said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and co-founder of the Joe Moore Award. Taylor played guard and tackle at the University of Notre Dame for the Award’s namesake, the legendary offensive line coach Joe Moore. “That is the reason we go to the trouble of watching each of the Finalists’ team provided season-long highlight reels and the multiple back-to-back quarters of game film we have them send in. The focus on the film study is about the only way the 200+ voting body can properly and credibly evaluate the nuances of the award criteria that would otherwise be difficult to see. And the debates got heated this year.”

2022 Joe Moore Award Winner at a Glance: 

Michigan (13-0)

• All five offensive linemen earned all-conference honors, with three first-team and one second-team selection.

• Center Olu Oluwatimi won both the Outland Trophy and Rimington Trophy for outstanding play at the center position. He is the first player in Michigan history to win the Outland Trophy.

• Michigan led the Big Ten and is sixth nationally in rushing offense at 243 yards per contest.

• The offensive line is 11th nationally in sacks allowed (1.0 per game) and ranks 22nd in tackles for loss allowed (4.31 avg.).

• The line has anchored an offense that is averaging 40 points per contest, which ranks seventh-best in college football.

• U-M's offensive line has permitted just 56 negative plays on 895 offensive snaps (4.3 per game on 68.8 offensive snaps).

• Michigan has 38 total rushing scores (No. 2, NCAA).

• Opponents have pressured a U-M passer 29 times (13 sacks, 16 hurries) in 13 games; when the line does allow a sack against starter J.J. McCarthy, it comes on an average of 4.60 seconds to throw, the tied-eighth-most time when considering passers with at least 100 dropbacks

• The unit has paved the way for 5.96 yards per sack-adjusted carry; Michigan rushers have lost 99 yards on 547 non-sack rush attempts.

Offensive line coach: Sherrone Moore

What The Voting Committee Is Saying:

• “This group plays old school football with a physical edge. They faced stacked boxes as much as any group in the country, but still run with solid efficiency. They’re more athletic and brought more physicality to the trenches compared to last year’s group, which spoke loudly about both the coaches and players.

• “Michigan is a group that engulfs and prevents penetration. Initial aiming points are consistent. TFLs are rare and they adjust to blitz and movement extremely well. One of their best attributes, honestly. They also, for two years in a row, seem to play their best ball in the fourth quarter when it matters most. We learned all we needed to know at the end of Ohio State and in the Big Ten Championship Game a year ago, and the same was true this year as well. This group beautifully illustrates what we’ve always known in our sport: linemen win games.”

•  “To me, this unit embodies the ‘teamwork’ criteria as well as I’ve seen. They communicate looks and play through one set of eyes. Their center did a great job of making stuff right inside. They routinely switched games (stunts) well, and repeatedly sorted the trash on complex blitz schemes. Rare missed men and their consistency gave each play a chance.”

• “Their C 55 has been a nice upgrade for this group. He makes everything right inside. Almost an eraser for them. LT has great strain. RT is a bit limited athletically in PP (pass protection) but brings it on playside double teams. As a group they strain to finish and compete to the whistle. Their technique and consistency is what really stands out.”

• “I noticed their hands right away. That’s usually a tell of a well coached unit because it’s so unnatural. In the football world, you either coach it or allow it, and it's clear what the expectation is in Ann Arbor.”

• “Michigan gets it done in a slightly different way than Georgia, but they have the ability to impose their will on their opponents in the biggest games and in the biggest moments.”

Unprecedented NIL Award Program:

In 2021, the Joe Moore Award became the first post-season college award platform to launch an NIL program for its 2021 winner, the University of Michigan. We are honored and committed to continue that tradition in 2022. 

The Joe Moore Award firmly believes in the notion that when the O-line wins, everyone in the community should win as well. In this spirit of mutual and collaborative support, the 2022 Joe Moore Award winning unit will once again receive 100% of the net proceeds from a soon to be released, limited edition t-shirt and merchandise sale. 

In addition, to help further the reach of the winning unit’s impact on their communities, the Foundation for Teamwork and the Joe Moore Award will also match and donate, up to $10,000 of the net NIL proceeds earned by the winning unit to the AthLife Foundation*, a national educational platform that works to ensure that deserving kids from our nation's most challenged and promising communities, can achieve in their future careers beyond sport. 

Designed by Make Your Move, the Student Athletes NIL ally, proceeds from all Limited Edition merchandise purchases directly support the Joe Moore Award Winners.  View and purchase at gomym.com/collections/joe-moore-award.

The Trophy

The Joe Moore Award trophy, crafted by legendary sports sculptor Jerry McKenna, is the largest trophy in college football that weighs more than 500 pounds and is more than five feet wide and nearly seven feet tall. The trophy has been made available to Michigan to display on their campus until the 2022 winner is announced.

Voting Committee

The Joe Moore Award voting committee is composed of nine 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, Draft Kings); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach; founder of OL Masterminds); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com)

Looking Ahead

No. 2 Michigan will be making the program’s second appearance in the College Football Playoff Semifinal in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl when they take on the No. 3 ranked TCU Horned Frogs on December 31st at 4pm ET on ESPN and the ESPN App. 

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).

Joe Moore Award Credo

Teamwork. It’s what defines football as a sport and it is displayed in its greatest glory – in its most profound necessity – in the play of the offensive line. For it is there that individual achievement only matters if the entire unit is performing. When we execute together, great things happen. But if one player missteps, the rest of the team pays the price. That idea – along with hard work and the willingness to strive to be your best – embodies what Coach Joe Moore instilled in his players.

But it’s about more than football. It’s about how we live our lives, how we contribute to society, how we participate in the realization of great things. Teamwork is a bond. It’s a promise. And it’s a commitment to put the greater good above ourselves. It’s the greatest form of individual achievement because it requires total sacrifice – of focus, of effort, of ego. The road to success requires an unwavering commitment to purpose that creates an unbreakable bond between each of us. And it makes that success one of the greatest achievements on the planet.

“I AM BECAUSE OF US.”

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 7 feet and weighing in at over 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 bringing that spirit of collective achievement to athletics, education, and organizations.

Learn More or Follow Us

Find out more at joemooreaward.com and follow the Joe Moore Award on Twitter (@joemooreaward), Instagram (@joemooreaward), and Facebook (facebook.com/JoeMooreAward).

*About The AthLife Foundation (NIL Program Beneficiary):

Founded in 2010, The AthLife Foundation is a 501(c)3 national nonprofit organization with a mission to ensure that deserving kids from our nation's most challenged, yet promising communities, can achieve in their future careers beyond sport.

Through grant funding, training and industry leading resources, we help schools create a critical professional mentoring position in secondary education, called an Academic Athletic Coach. That Academic Athletic Coach works year round to create high impact programming, taps into a student’s passion for their sport and athletics, drives academic achievement, and prepares kids for post high school success.

Our work is being supported by the Alliance for Academic Athletic Coaches & Educators (3ACE Connected Community), Connecticut Office of Higher Education, CNX Foundation, Heisman Trophy Trust, Jason Garrett Starfish Charities, Joe Moore Award & Foundation for Teamwork, New York Community Trust, NFL Foundation, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Tulane Center for Sport, and Under Armour.

Please visit athlifefoundation.org to learn more about our platform and 3ace.connectedcommunity.org to join the national movement.

The AthLife Foundation & 3ACE Connected Community, fueled by an unwavering belief in human potential.

• $1M+ Awarded to Schools - 10,000+ Deserving Kids

• 265 Industry Professionals - 120 High Schools

• 50 Community Organizations - 30 Colleges/Universities

• 28 States & The District of Columbia

####

JOE MOORE AWARD ANNOUNCES 2022 FINALISTS

Field of Nation’s Top Collegiate O-Lines Narrowed Down to Just Two Units

NEW YORK (Dec. 7, 2022) — The Foundation for Teamwork today revealed the two finalists for the 2022 Joe Moore Award presented to college football's Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit. A final field of two is unprecedented for the Joe Moore Award, which has annually presented this unique honor since 2015.

The two finalists in the running to be named the top collegiate O-line in the country are (in alphabetical order) No. 1 Georgia (2022 SEC Champion), and No. 2 Michigan (2022 BIG-TEN Champion). For games played through Dec. 3, this year’s finalists have a combined record of 26-0 and average 472.3 total yards per game (compared to the national average of 393.4 total ypg) and 225.0 rush yards per game (compared to the national average of 160.3 rush ypg).

The award’s voting committee will announce the recipient of the 2022 Joe Moore Award after a surprise visit to the winning university’s campus in late December.

“To be considered a potential Joe Moore Award winner, an offense must be successful because of their O- line unit, not despite it, and that is unquestionably the case with the 2022 finalists,” said Cole Cubelic, chairman of the Joe Moore Award voting committee. “Historically it’s taken five to six weeks for O-line units to hit their stride, but Georgia and Michigan separated themselves pretty early on with their teamwork, technique, and commitment to physicality.”

“With 131 units on our preseason ‘watch list’, one of the yearly challenges the committee faces is finding enough time to watch the amount of tape necessary to make informed evaluations,” 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. “Thankfully, units like Michigan and Georgia make finding the time easier by being so rewarding to watch. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about a potential head to head JMA matchup in the playoffs, as both of this year’s finalists seem to be at their best when it’s needed most - at the end of ball games.”

“The finalists embody what the Joe Moore Award is all about, which is hard-working, like-minded units working their tails off for the greater good without desire for personal gain,” said Lance Zierlein, founding member of the Joe Moore Award voting committee, NFL draft analyst, and lead contributor to the draft profiles on NFL.com. “There was some impressive play by many of the other units, but Georgia and Michigan really separated themselves down the stretch by getting lathered up late in games with incredible displays of patience, resilience, and consistency.”

Short-Stack Shout Outs:

In addition to the 2022 Honor Roll members, Semifinalists, and Finalists, the committee wanted to acknowledge some notable performances and development by the following units and their O-line coaches:

• Kansas State University, Conor Riley - There is a level of assignment-oriented consistency and “hat-on-hat” urgency that is easy to appreciate. They’re more thunder than lightning when it comes

  to athleticism, but their technique, toughness and teamwork are what this award is about.

• University of Notre Dame, Harry Hiestand - Overall growth, development, use of hands, strain and finishing on drive blocks which was best displayed in a dominant performance against Clemson.

• University of Utah, Jim Harding - Unit displays athleticism and physicality at the point of attack. TE32 is a sledge hammer and relishes contact. They fight for four quarters and compete to the whistle. All look for work and to help in pass pro. Unit perfectly represents the gritty nature of Whittingham’s team.

• University of Washington, Scott Huff - Athletic unit that finished the season strong; they play as one, good use of hands and ‘sort through the trash’ and ‘separate the recyclables’ (stunts and blitzes) well against Washington State.

  Finalist Criteria and Selection Process
  The Joe Moore Award voting committee judges solely on six criteria: toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique and finishing. Evaluations for finalists were made through weekly review of actual game film and offensive line coach-provided cut-ups.

  Unprecedented NIL Award Program:

  In 2021, the Joe Moore Award became the first post-season college award platform to launch an NIL program for its 2021 winner, the University of Michigan.

  The Joe Moore Award firmly believes in the notion that when the O-line wins, everyone in the community should win as well. In this spirit of mutual and collaborative support, Award winning unit will once again receive 100% of the net proceeds from a soon to be released, limited edition t-shirt and merchandise sale. the 2022 Joe Moore In addition, to help further the reach of the winning unit’s impact on their communities, the Foundation for Teamwork and the Joe Moore Award will also match and donate, up to $5,000 of the net NIL proceeds earned by the winning unit to the AthLife Foundation**, a national educational platform that works to ensure that deserving kids from our nation's most challenged and promising communities, can achieve in their future careers beyond sport. Designed by Make Your Move, the Student Athletes NIL ally, proceeds from all Limited Edition merchandise purchases directly support the Joe Moore Award Winners. View and purchase at gomym.com/collections/joe-moore-award

2022 Joe Moore Award Finalists at a Glance

Georgia (13-0)

• Georgia’s O-line unit has only allowed seven sacks this year. That leads the SEC and is tied for second nationally.

• Behind the protection of the O-line, the Bulldogs are averaging 39.2 points/game and 207 yards per game rushing during Georgia’s 13-0 season.

• Helped reigning national champions to a 13-0 (8-0 SEC) record and consensus No. 1 team ranking in the national polls.

• Georgia is tied for third nationally with 37 Rushing TDs.

• Bulldogs lead the country in Red Zone Offense, scoring 97.2 percent of the time and are tied for third with the nation’s third most rushing TDs (30) in Red Zone.

• Georgia ranks 7th nationally in Total Offense (491.9 ypg) and 11th nationally in Scoring Offense (39.2 ppg).

• Georgia has been sacked just seven times in 13 games this season (tied for 2rd nationally at 0.54 sack/game).

• Paved the way for 255 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and 2 touchdowns in a 50-30 win over LSU in the SEC Championship Game.

  What The Voting Committee Is Saying:

• “Georgia is an 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.”

• “Georgia is a unit that likes to bludgeon people. They’re so physical when they get a hold of you. They win with brute force and strength vs super clean technique and consistency, so it can be messy at times, but that’s what happens when you swing the battle ax-like they do. They are the anchor of a team that has elite TE play and an excellent, under-appreciated, and O-line friendly QB.”

• “This position group - and by extension our award - is based on rising to the occasion when it matters most, like their season high performance vs Auburn, the second half vs Mizzou, and the second half of SEC Championship Game where they rushed 31 times for 188 yards (6.1 yd average) and 2 rush TDs...in the second half.”

• “C can play with great balance and recovery and accelerates well on contact. All work to strain and finish, esp LG and RT. They all seem to like contact. This is a group of enforcers, not watchers. They play the whole play and cover down on the ball on downfield pass plays and pick guys off of the pile. That has to be taught or encouraged, and it’s fun as hell to watch.”

  Offensive line coach: Stacy Searels

Michigan (13-0)

• All five offensive linemen earned all-conference honors, with three first-team and one second-team selection.

• Center Olu Oluwatimi is a finalist for the Outland Trophy and Rimington Award

• Michigan leads the Big Ten and is sixth nationally in rushing offense at 234 yards per contest.

• The offensive line is 11th nationally in sacks allowed (1.0 per game) and ranks 22nd in tackles for loss allowed (4.31 avg.).

• The line has anchored an offense that is averaging 40 points per contest, which ranks seventh-best in college football.

• U-M's offensive line has permitted just 56 negative plays on 895 offensive snaps (4.3 per game on 68.8 offensive snaps).

• Michigan has 38 total rushing scores (No. 2, NCAA).

• Opponents have pressured a U-M passer 29 times (13 sacks, 16 hurries) in 13 games; when

  the line does allow a sack against starter J.J. McCarthy, it comes on an average of 4.60 seconds to throw, the tied-eighth-most time when considering passers with at least 100 dropbacks.

• The unit has paved the way for 5.96 yards per sack-adjusted carry; Michigan rushers have lost 99 yards on 547 non-sack rush attempts.

  What The Voting Committee Is Saying:

• “This group plays old school football with a physical edge. They faced stacked boxes as much as any group in the country, but still run with solid efficiency. They’re a big, Neanderthal type group that engulfs and prevents penetration. Initial aiming points are consistent. TFLs are rare and adjust to blitz well. They seem to play their best ball in the fourth quarter when it matters most. We learned all we needed to know at the end of Ohio State and in the Big Ten Championship Game where this group beautifully reminded the country that linemen win games.”

• “This unit may embody the teamwork criteria better than any unit we’ve ever seen, and that’s been the case for the last two seasons. They communicate looks and play through one set of eyes. Routinely switch games (stunts) well, and sort the trash on complex blitz schemes almost flawlessly. Rare missed men and they consistently give each play a chance.”

• “Their C 55 has been a nice upgrade for this group. He makes everything right inside. Almost an eraser for them. LT has great strain. RT is a bit limited athletically in PP (pass protection) but brings it on playside double teams. As a group they strain to finish and compete to the whistle. Their technique and consistency is what really stands out.”

• “I noticed their hands right away. That’s usually a tell of a well coached unit because it’s so unnatural. In the football world, you either coach it or allow it, and it's clear what the expectation is in Ann Arbor.”

• “Michigan gets it done in a slightly different way, but they have the ability to impose their will on their opponents in the biggest games and in the biggest moments.”

  Offensive line coach: Sherrone Moore

Voting Committee

The Joe Moore Award voting committee is composed of nine 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, Draft Kings); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach; founder of OL Masterminds); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com).

Looking Ahead

After the finalists have been announced, 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).

Joe Moore Award Credo

Teamwork. It’s what defines football as a sport and it is displayed in its greatest glory – in its most profound necessity – in the play of the offensive line. For it is there that individual achievement only matters if the entire unit is performing. When we execute together, great things happen. But if one player missteps, the rest of the team pays the price. That idea – along with hard work and the willingness to strive to be your best – embodies what Coach Joe Moore instilled in his players.

But it’s about more than football. It’s about how we live our lives, how we contribute to society, how we participate in the realization of great things. Teamwork is a bond. It’s a promise. And it’s a commitment to put the greater good above ourselves. It’s the greatest form of individual achievement because it requires total sacrifice – of focus, of effort, of ego. The road to success requires an unwavering commitment to purpose that creates an unbreakable bond between each of us. And it makes that success one of the greatest achievements on the planet.

“I AM BECAUSE OF US.”

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 7 feet and weighing in at over 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 bringing that spirit of collective achievement to athletics, education, and organizations.

Learn More or Follow Us

Find out more at joemooreaward.com and follow the Joe Moore Award on Twitter (@joemooreaward), Instagram (@joemooreaward), and Facebook (facebook.com/JoeMooreAward).

* CFP Poll as of December 4th, 2022

** About The AthLife Foundation (NIL Program Beneficiary):

Founded in 2010, The AthLife Foundation is a 501(c)3 national nonprofit organization with a mission to ensure that deserving kids from our nation's most challenged, yet promising communities, can achieve in their future careers beyond sport.

Through grant funding, training and industry leading resources, we help schools create a critical professional mentoring position in secondary education, called an Academic Athletic Coach. That Academic Athletic Coach works year round to create high impact programming, taps into a student’s passion for their sport and athletics, drives academic achievement, and prepares kids for post high school success.

Our work is being supported by the Alliance for Academic Athletic Coaches & Educators (3ACE Connected Community), Connecticut Office of Higher Education, CNX Foundation, Heisman Trophy Trust, Jason Garrett Starfish Charities, Joe Moore Award & Foundation for Teamwork, New York Community Trust, NFL Foundation, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Tulane Center for Sport, and Under Armour.

Please visit athlifefoundation.org to learn more about our platform and 3ace.connectedcommunity.org to join the national movement.

The AthLife Foundation & 3ACE Connected Community, fueled by an unwavering belief in human potential.

• $1M+ Awarded to Schools - 10,000+ Deserving Kids

• 265 Industry Professionals - 120 High Schools

• 50 Community Organizations - 30 Colleges/Universities

• 28 States & The District of Columbia

####

2022 Joe Moore Award Semifinalists Announced

Nine Units Earn Semifinalist Honor Through Tough, Physical O-line Play

NEW YORK, New York – November 15, 2022 — The Foundation for Teamwork today revealed the nine semifinalists for the 2022 Joe Moore Award presented to college football's Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit. The Joe Moore Award has annually presented this unique award since 2015.

The nine semifinalists include (in alphabetical order): Air Force, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, Tennessee, UCLA, and USC.

For games played through November 12th, the 2022 Joe Moore Award semifinalists have a combined record of 76-14 and represent four FBS conferences: BIG TEN (2), MOUNTAIN WEST (1), PAC-12 (3), and SEC (3). Combined, these teams average 483.2 total yards per game (compared to national average of 394.2) and 231.1 rushing yards per game (compared to national average 159.8), and represent four of the Top 10 and seven of the Top 25 in the latest AP poll.*

“There is a noticeable improvement in O-line play this season as compared to what we saw last year,” said Cole Cubelic, lead sideline analyst for the SEC Network and the Chairman of the Joe Moore Award voting committee. “It’s been a pleasure to watch the effort and resilience of these O-lines over the course of the season, especially since many of them have really risen to the challenge over the last couple of weeks.”

The Joe Moore Award finalists will be named on Tuesday, December 6th. The eventual winner will be recognized in the ensuing weeks during a surprise, on campus visit to the winning unit’s school (TBD as per the winning school’s schedule).

“Like in years past, and in addition to the extensive film review and voting committee conference calls, we solicited the opinions of dozens of FBS head coaches that had personally faced many of the O-line units under consideration,” said Phil Steele, analyst and founder of the popular preseason magazine Phil Steele's College Football Preview. “It’s been an honor to be a part of an award that matters so much to the O-line community, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

“Once again the cream is rising to the top, and the committee strongly feels that the common thread with this year’s semifinalists is that their level of play has directly translated into the success of their teams,” said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and co-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. “The exciting thing this year is that it’s still wide open, and these last few weeks will prove to be extremely important, and we can’t wait to see which units will be at their best when their best is needed down the stretch.”

2022 Semifinalists at a Glance

Air Force (7-3)

• The Diesel has paved the way for the Falcons to lead the nation in rushing with a 334.1 average and are the only team in the nation averaging 300-plus per game.

• The unit has allowed only .90 sacks per game which leads the MW and ranks eighth nationally.

• The Falcons lead the nation time of possession with a 35:51 mark.
• Air Force has topped the 400-yard mark in rushing five times this season, going 5-0 in those games.
• The unit has a mid-season All-American in former walk-on Issac Cochran.

What The Voting Committee Is Saying: “These guys get after it. They finish and strain better than anyone I've seen. I had to make myself look past their physical limitations, but they come off the ball with bad intentions. They do get assistance from other bodies on offense, but even the tight ends and wideouts get after it. Physicality and effort and teamwork and toughness are baked into their cake, so you better ‘buckle your junk’ when you play Air Force because if they get under your pads, it’s over.”

Offensive line coach: Steed Lobotzke

Georgia (10-0)

• Georgia’s O-line unit has only allowed seven sacks this year. That leads the SEC and is tied for third nationally.

• Behind the protection of the O-line, the Bulldogs are averaging 40.6 points/game and 192.5 yards per game rushing during Georgia’s 10-0 start.

• Helped reigning national champions to a 10-0 (7-0 SEC) record and consensus No. 1 team ranking in the national polls.

• Georgia is tied for 1st nationally with 32 Rushing TDs.

• Bulldogs lead the country in Red Zone Offense, scoring 98 percent of the time with the nation’s third most rushing TDs (26) in Red Zone.

• Georgia ranks 3rd nationally in Total Offense (509.6 ypg) and 6th nationally in Scoring Offense (40.6 ppg).

• Georgia has been sacked just seven times in 10 games this season (ranks 3rd nationally at 0.70 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.”

Offensive line coach: Stacy Searels


Illinois (7-3)

• The Illinois offensive line has paved the way for the nation’s leading rusher, Chase Brown (1,442 rushing yards). Brown had 100+ rushing yards in the team’s first nine games this season, becoming the first Big Ten back to do so since Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott in 2015.

• The Illini OL has allowed only 12 sacks all season on 374 pass blocking snaps this season. Illinois’ starting tackles of LT Julian Pearl and RT Alex Palczewski have combined to allow only three sacks on 693 pass blocking sacks.

• The Illinois O-line has been one of the toughest and most dependable in the nation to date. The line’s five core starters have made 49 of 50 possible starts and finished the game in all 49 of those starts. Senior RT Alex Palczewski is the veteran of the group with a Big Ten record 62 career starts, which also ranks second in NCAA history.

What The Voting Committee Is Saying: “Solid group and getting better. This unit has Bielema’s fingerprints all over it. (RB) Brown is elite and helps, but the O-line is the engine that makes this machine go and the production is undeniable. Some nice physicality to them, like on Play 1 of the Purdue game when RG and LT get knockdowns right out of gate. Their LG had a couple pancakes on that drive as well. TE 89 got some nasty to him and rounds out a nice group. Gotta watch the neg(ative) plays and ending up on ground, but this group is what this award is about.”

Offensive line coach: Bart Miller

Michigan (10-0)

• Michigan ranks fourth nationally in rushing offense at 251.4 yards per contest and has the fifth-highest scoring offense in the country; carried the ball 447 times for 2,514 yards (5.6 avg.) and scored 31 rushing touchdowns (T-3rd in the NCAA)

• The Wolverines have rushed for more than 250 yards in four consecutive games and has surpassed 200 yards in seven games: Colorado State (234), Hawaii (268), Maryland (243), Penn State (418), Michigan State (276), Rutgers (282) and Nebraska (264)

• The line has yielded just 12 sacks and 44 total tackles for loss in 706 snaps this season; 21st nationally in sacks allowed (1.2 avg.) and 23rd in tackles for loss allowed (4.4 avg.)

What The Voting Committee Is Saying: “This group may be better than the group that won it last year by the time 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. Going to be fun to see them lead the way to showdown with OSU.”

Offensive line coach: Sherrone Moore

Mississippi (8-2)

• Block for one of the nation’s most prolific rush offenses that currently leads the SEC and ranks No. 3 FBS at 259.8 yards per game.

• Rebels are top 10 nationally in total rushing yards (No. 3, 2,598), rushing touchdowns (No. 7, 29) and total rushing attempts (No. 5, 479).

• Ranks second in the SEC and No. 23 in the FBS in fewest sacks allowed, yielding just 1.00 per contest.

• One of only five schools with three players over 500 yards rushing.

• 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.

• Has used three different starting lineups among six different starting offensive linemen, including two freshmen.

• 119 combined career starts, 153 combined career games played among six Rebel linemen to have started in 2022.

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, which is extremely hard to do in a scheme like that. 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.”

Offensive line coach: Jake Thornton

Oregon (8-2)

• Leads the nation with just two sacks allowed and is the only team to allow fewer than five sacks this season.

• Zero sacks allowed in eight of 10 games.

• Tied for fourth nationally for the fewest tackles for loss allowed (36.0).

• Zero TFLs allowed vs. Arizona, the first time UO has not given up a TFL in a game since 2010.

• No. 9 nationally in rushing offense with 239.40 yards per game, surpassing 200 rush yards six times and 300 rush yards three times.

• Three Ducks have combined to win four Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Week awards, most in the conference.

What The Voting Committee Is Saying: “A physically impressive unit that looks to dominate. Get some scheme help, but they execute what they’re asked to do. Solid pass pro fundamentals. Really good counter/duo reps from this group. Big reason why they’re having so much success on offense. C got a nice finish on 2nd play of UW. Work to sustain well on 2nd level. Play is never over for them. If they get beat or lose leverage, they track well and run defender where he wants to go. Some PP (pass pro) techniques too, but this group has a chance.”

Offensive line coach: Adrian Klemm

Tennessee (9-1)

• Tennessee is tied for 19th in the country with only 43 tackles for loss allowed.

• The Volunteers are No. 4 in the Southeastern Conference and No. 28 in the country in rushing, averaging 195.5 yards per game.

• Anchors the nation’s No. 1 total offense (543.7) and No. 1 scoring offense (47.4), which puts up 348.2 passing yards per game (second in FBS) and 195.5 rushing yards per game (28th in FBS).

• Tennessee is the only school this season with four different players having earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors: center Cooper Mays (once), right tackle Darnell Wright (twice), guard Jerome Carvin (once) and guard Javontez Spraggins (once). Five of the 11 weeks played have featured a Vol.

• Paved the way and protected for a school-record 725 yards of total offense vs. a Missouri team that came in ranked 13th in the nation in total defense (304.1), and was outstanding in wins vs. current No. 6 LSU and current No. 8 Alabama, helping the offense to over 500 yards in both.

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.”

Offensive line coach: Glen Elarbee

UCLA (8-2)

• UCLA total offense is 5th in the nation with 504.1 yards per game.

• UCLA has only given up 14 sacks this season.

• UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet 3rd in the nation in rushing yards per game (143.1).

• UCLA ranks 8th in the nation in rushing offense (240.0) and the O-line has paved the way for running back Zach Charbonnet to lead the nation in rushing yards per carry (7.53) and all-purpose yards (176.88) while ranking third in rushing yards per game (143.1).

• UCLA is one of six schools in the NCAA FBS averaging over 500 yards of total offense this season (504.0). No previous UCLA team has ever averaged over 500 yards of offense for a season.

• UCLA is the only school in the FBS to have recorded at least 2,400 yards rushing and total at least 2,600 yards passing this season and earlier this season racked up 402 yards rushing in a game at Arizona State (most since 2010).

What The Voting Committee Is Saying: “This group gets after it. Their IOL (interior O-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.”

Offensive line coach: Tim Drevno

USC (9-1)

• The USC offensive line has helped the Trojans average 499.4 yards of total offense per game, which ranks seventh in the nation.

• The USC O-line has paved the way for 182.5 rush yards per game, 5.42 yards per carry, and 21 rushing touchdowns.

• USC has scored 424 points through 10 games this season. The Trojan offensive line has been a critical factor in this. USC’s 424 points are the most by a USC team through 10 games in school history (the 2005 team scored 484 points through 10 games, but those wins were vacated due to NCAA penalty).

• USC now has 8 games this season in which it has scored 40 or more points which ties the school record for most 40-point games in a season, set in 2003 (USC did have 9 games with 40 points in the 2005 season, but those wins were vacated due to NCAA penalty).

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.”

Offensive line coach: Josh Henson

Voting Committee
The Joe Moore Award voting committee is comprised of 12 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); Gerry DiNardo (Notre Dame, head coach at LSU, Big Ten Network); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, Draft Kings); Barrett Jones (Alabama, St. Louis Rams); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach; founder of OL Masterminds); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); Sam Schwartzstein (Stanford, XFL rules creator); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com).

Looking Ahead
After the semifinalists and 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 November 13th, 2022
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JOE MOORE AWARD ANNOUNCES 2022 MIDSEASON HONOR ROLL

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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The Joe Moore Award Becomes The First Post-Season College Award Platform To Launch NIL Program

University of Michigan Offensive Line To Receive Name, Image and Likeness Benefits From Custom Designed Artwork and T-Shirt, With Percentage Going To Charity As Well

By: Foundation for Teamwork

Joe Moore Award

SAN DIEGO - Dec. 28, 2021 - PRLog -- The Foundation for Teamwork, owners and creators of the Joe Moore Award (@joemooreaward) which honors the most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football, today announced that it is believed to be the first post season college award program to launch a Name Image and Likeness (NIL) program for its recipients. Timing is everything and the Joe Moore Award is excited to create a partnership with nine members of the 2021 award winners, the offensive line at the University of Michigan. Michigan was awarded the trophy in a ceremony last week in Ann Arbor and will play the University of Georgia in the Orange Bowl on Dec 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

"We have seen the great amount of exposure that both winners and finalists of all the major college football awards receive throughout the years, but the actual and immediate benefit from winning the award typically goes to the presenter, not the presentee," said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and co-founder of the Joe Moore Award. Taylor, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, played guard and tackle at the University of Notre Dame for the Award's namesake, the legendary offensive line coach Joe Moore. "We want to begin to change that dynamic with the growth of NIL for these athletes, and the Joe Moore Award is proud to be what we believe to be the first of the major awards to begin a program which will have long-lasting benefits and a financial upside for our winners, and in many cases for the causes which will be tied to the program. On the field, we've always known that when the o-line wins, we all win, and we're excited to help Michigan's O-line extend that same principle in our communities."

The members of the Michigan offensive line will receive 100% of net t-shirt sales, with a portion going to a philanthropic beneficiary. Additionally the Joe Moore Award will match the players' charitable gift, up to $10,000, to help further the reach of the winning units impact on their communities. The t-shirts and limited edition merchandise are designed by Make Your Move, an automated digital on-demand order processing and fulfillment partner and are available starting at $20.00 at gomym.com/collections/joe-moore-award.

The charity beneficiaries for the 2021 season are: The Seal Legacy Foundation which is dedicated to providing support to families of wounded and fallen United States Navy SEALs, educational assistance for SEALs and their families, and other charitable causes benefiting the SEAL community; and The AthLife Foundation, a national platform works to ensure that deserving kids from our nation's most challenged, yet promising communities, can achieve in their future careers beyond sport.

Under offensive line coach Sherrone Moore, Michigan's starting O-line has featured guard/tackle Karsen Barnhart (2 starts), guard Chuck Filiaga (4 starts), left tackle Ryan Hayes (13 starts), tackle Trente Jones (1 start), left guard Trevor Keegan (10 starts), right tackle Andrew Stueber (13 starts), center Andrew Vastardis (13 starts), and right guard Zak Zinter (11 starts). In addition, tight end Joel Honigford, a converted O-lineman, warrants mention as a key contributor to Michigan's success.

Michigan led the Big Ten and lists 10th nationally in rushing (223.8 yards per game). The unit has conceded the fewest tackles for loss (27) and third-fewest sacks (10) in the nation this season. Only Army and Air Force, with a combined 204 pass attempts, have allowed fewer sacks. Michigan's line has paved the way for a 1,000-yard back in Hassan Haskins (1,288 yards) and have another back in range in Blake Corum (939 yards). All five positions earned all-conference honors, with four of the five starters earning first or second-team accolades: Stueber (1st team), Hayes, Vastardis and Zinter (2nd) and Keegan (honorable mention).

The Trophy
The Joe Moore Award trophy, crafted by legendary sports sculptor Jerry McKenna, is the largest trophy in college football, weighing more than 800 pounds, is more than five feet wide and stands nearly seven feet tall. The trophy has been made available to Michigan to display on their campus until the 2022 winner is announced.

The Joe Moore Award is named after Joe Moore, widely regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in college football history, and is the only major college football award to honor a group or unit. The award annually recognizes the nation's Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit that best display the fundamental and historical aspects of great offensive line play: Toughness, Effort, Teamwork, Consistency, Technique, and Finishing.

Voting Committee
The Joe Moore Award voting committee is comprised of 13 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 2021 voting committee includes Chairman Cole Cubelic (Auburn, SEC Network); Charles Arbuckle (UCLA, Indianapolis Colts); Randy Cross (UCLA, San Francisco 49ers); Gerry DiNardo (Notre Dame, head coach at LSU); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, NFL, ESPN); Harry Hiestand (Joe Moore disciple, NFL and College O-line Coach); Barrett Jones (Alabama, St. Louis Rams); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach; founder of OL Masterminds); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); 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 and Prospects to Pros podcast, The Athletic).

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), and the University of Alabama (2020 - first repeat winner).

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).

Media Contact
Jerry Milani
jerry@jerrymilani.com
973-566-0870

JOE MOORE AWARD ANNOUNCES 2021 WINNER

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES WIN THE 2021 JOE MOORE AWARD

Effort, Consistency, Teamwork and Late-Season Poise Impressed Voters

ANN ARBOR, MI - December 21, 2021 - In a presentation on the campus of the University of Michigan in Schembechler Hall, the Foundation for Teamwork announced this evening that the Wolverine offensive line is the winner of the 2021 Joe Moore Award (JMA) for the most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football. This is the first time Michigan has won the award, and is just the second unit from the BIG-TEN (Iowa, 2015) to accomplish this noteworthy achievement.

The Joe Moore Award is named after Joe Moore, widely regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in college football history, and is the only major college football award to honor a group or unit. The award annually recognizes the nation’s Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit that best display the fundamental and historical aspects of great offensive line play: Toughness, Effort, Teamwork, Consistency, Technique, and Finishing.

“Michigan set themselves apart by their steady improvement through effort, consistency, and playing the game through ‘one set of eyes’- which in our world is synonymous for playing extremely together - as one.” said Cole Cubelic, lead sideline analyst for the SEC Network and Chairman of the Joe Moore Award voting committee. “As impressive as the other Finalists and Semi-Finalists were, the collective voting body felt strongly that Michigan, above all others, was at their best when their best was needed, and that really seemed to be the differentiator.”

Michigan's starting O-line has featured guard/tackle Karsen Barnhart (2 starts), guard Chuck Filiaga (4 starts), left tackle Ryan Hayes (13 starts), tackle Trente Jones (1 start), left guard Trevor Keegan (10 starts), right tackle Andrew Stueber (13 starts), center Andrew Vastardis (13 starts), and right guard Zak Zinter (11 starts). In addition, tight end Joel Honigford, a converted O-lineman, warrants mention as a key contributor to Michigan’s success. 

“This year proved to be difficult because of just how inconsistently O-line play began across the national landscape,” said Lance Zierlein, lead draft analyst and scout for NFL Media, co-host of Prospects to Pros podcast on The Athletic, and member of the JMA voting committee since 2016. “We knew pretty early it was going to be a challenging year up front, but as the season wore on, Michigan’s unit really took control and we felt the Wolverines were winning because of their O-line, not despite them – and that was true for only a handful of units this year. It really came right down to the end, but Michigan really stepped up down the stretch and the final vote tally reflected that.”

“The O-line position is extremely difficult to evaluate, especially when doing so for entire units with differing styles of play,” said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and co-founder of the Joe Moore Award. Taylor played guard and tackle at the University of Notre Dame for the Award’s namesake, the legendary offensive line coach Joe Moore. “That is the reason we go to the trouble of watching each of the Finalists’ season long highlight reels and the multiple back-to-back quarters of game film we have them send in. The focus on the film study is about the only way the 200+ voting body can properly and credibly evaluate the nuances of the award criteria that would otherwise be difficult to see. And the debates got heated this year as we argued about the best flavors of O-line ice cream, but it was Michigan’s triple scoop of Effort, Teamwork, and Consistency that ultimately earned them their rightful place in college football history by season’s end.” 

“We are always excited for another man’s success at Michigan,” said Jim Harbaugh, in his seventh season as the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach. In this case, we are excited for our entire offensive line’s success this season. It all started with strength gained in the weight room with Ben Herbert and his staff where they offered an all-you-can-eat buffet and our guys ate it up. Coach Sherrone Moore and our offensive line have been tremendous. They have built great chemistry together and have worked extremely hard to be the very best unit in the country. I am excited for this unit to be rewarded with the Joe Moore Award.”

2021 Joe Moore Award Winner at a Glance: 

Michigan (12-1)

• Michigan led the Big Ten and lists 10th nationally in rushing (223.8 yards per game).

• The unit has conceded the fewest tackles for loss (27) and third-fewest sacks (10) in the nation this season. Only Army and Air Force, with a combined 204 pass attempts, have allowed fewer sacks. 

• U-M leads all FBS programs with 39 rushing touchdowns this season.

• Michigan's line has paved the way for a 1,000-yard back in Hassan Haskins (1,288 yards) and have another back in range in Blake Corum (939 yards). U-M boasts the nation's No. 10 rushing attack (223.8 yards per game), the Big Ten's be

• U-M leads the nation in fewest tackles for loss allowed per game (2.08 avg.) and is third in fewest sacks allowed (0.77 avg.)

• The Wolverines have surrendered 29 negative rushing yards all season on 483 non-quarterback carries.

• All five positions earned all-conference honors, with four of the five starters earning first or second-team accolades: Stueber (1st team), Hayes, Vastardis and Zinter (2nd) and Keegan (honorable mention).

• As a unit, the Wolverines offense ranks top 20 nationally in 10 categories: tackles for loss allowed (1st), sacks allowed (3rd), red zone offense (7th), rushing offense (10th), scoring offense (13th), fumbles lost (13th), turnovers lost (15th), total offense (18th), first downs (22nd) and third down conversions (23rd).

• The Wolverines are one of the nation’s most balanced offenses this season, averaging 223.8 rushing yards and 228.1 passing yards per contest; gained 2,910 rushing yards and 2,965 passing yards this season.

• The Wolverines are second in the Big Ten and 13th nationally in scoring at 37.7 ppg.

• Together, the group has helped U-M to a Big Ten title and an East Division championship with a 12-1 record and a victory over Iowa in the conference title game. U-M reached that game by virtue of a 42-27 win over Ohio State at home that saw the Wolverines score their most points in the rivalry since 1946. In series history, it was U-M's largest margin of victory since 1993 (15 points), its most rushing yards (297) since 1995, and its most total yards (487) since 2013. Running back Hassan Haskins became the first player to ever record five rushing touchdowns against the Buckeyes.

Offensive line coach: Sherrone Moore 

What the committee is saying: 

• “While there is more than one way to open a run lane, the elements needed to do so remain static year after year. Michigan's offensive line consistently puts body on body to occupy defensive fronts and then rely on teamwork and strain to help make the magic happen for the Wolverines physical running backs. They developed a mindset and identity as the year progressed and produced signature performances when the entire college football world was watching. Michigan proved it's still possible to win at a high level while playing downhill if you have a brotherhood up front playing with and for each other.”

• “The JMA slogan I love the most is ‘I am because of Us’, and Michigan really embodied that this year. Rising up at the end vs Ohio State where they were almost flawless in their stunt pickups, and grinding it out vs another tough Phil Parker front seven [Iowa] in the Big Ten championship game was notable. After a bit of a touch and go start, they grew on me as the year wore on, and my hesitation turned to resolve at the end. Not always pretty or perfect, but nothing about our position ever is. But the way they showed resilience and resolve with great effort and strain is what our position is about.”

• “The JMA is earned by the body of work throughout an entire season, however units can distinguish themselves in the most important games and moments of the season. In Michigan’s two biggest games of the season the Wolverines offensive line played their best ball. They rushed for nearly 300 yards against Ohio State and the following week helped propel their offense to 42 points against Iowa. They stepped up in the spotlight and are deserving of this award.”

• “This group plays old school football with a physical edge. They faced stacked boxes as much as any group in the country, but still run with solid efficiency. They’re a big, Neanderthal type group that engulfs and prevents penetration. Initial aiming points are consistent whether they can maintain or not. TFLs are rare and adjust to blitz well. They seem to play their best ball in the fourth quarter when it matters most They rose to the occasion in their two most important games of the season against Ohio State and Iowa in the championship games rushing for 508 yards and 10 TDs. They epitomize what an O-line unit should mean to the success of the team. A bit surprised it took Harbaugh so long to get back to his DNA, but there’s no mystery as to why they just won their first Big Ten championship game and are suddenly competing for a national championship.”

The Trophy

The Joe Moore Award trophy, crafted by legendary sports sculptor Jerry McKenna, is the largest trophy in college football that weighs more than 500 pounds and is more than five feet wide and nearly seven feet tall. The trophy has been made available to Michigan to display on their campus until the 2022 winner is announced.

Voting Committee

The Joe Moore Award voting committee is comprised of 13 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 2021 voting committee includes Chairman Cole Cubelic (Auburn, SEC Network); Charles Arbuckle (UCLA, Indianapolis Colts); Randy Cross (UCLA, San Francisco 49ers); Gerry DiNardo (Notre Dame, head coach at LSU); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, NFL, ESPN); Harry Hiestand (Joe Moore disciple, NFL and College O-line Coach); Barrett Jones (Alabama, St. Louis Rams); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach; founder of OL Masterminds); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); 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 and Prospects to Pros podcast, The Athletic).

Looking Ahead

No. 2 Michigan will be making the program’s first ever appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship in the Orange Bowl when they take on No. 3 ranked Georgia on Dec 31 at 7:30pm ET.  

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), and the University of Alabama (2020 - first repeat winner). 

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).

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JOE MOORE AWARD ANNOUNCES 2021 FINALISTS

Field of Nation’s Top Collegiate O-Lines Narrowed Down to Four Units

 NEW YORK (Dec. 9, 2021) — The Joe Moore Award for the Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football today revealed the selection of three finalists for this year’s national honor, announced The Foundation for Teamwork, which has presented the unique award since 2015. Finalists in the running to be named the best collegiate O-line unit in the country include (in alphabetical order): Air Force, #22 Kentucky*, #2 Michigan*, and Oregon State.

 For games played through Dec. 4, this year’s finalists have a combined record of 18-6 and represent four conferences: BIG TEN (1), MOUNTAIN WEST (1), PAC-12 (1), and SEC (1). Combined, these teams average 437.4 total yards per game (compared to the national average of 395.5 total ypg), 39.8 tackles for loss allowed (compared to the national average of 70.8 TFLs allowed), allow an average of .98 sacks per game (compared to the national average of 2.19 sacks/gm), and average 247.3 rushing yards per game (compared to the national average of 162.9 rushing ypg). Combined, these units include one Playoff team, one conference champion, and two of the Top 25 in the latest College Football Playoff poll. This is the first appearance as a finalist for each of the four units. Additionally, Air Force is the first ever Group of Five representative in the seven-year history of the award.

“What an incredibly interesting year this has been for offensive line play,” said Cole Cubelic, lead sideline analyst for the SEC Network and the Chairman of the Joe Moore Award Voting Committee. “In a year defined by inconsistency along the lines of scrimmage, this year’s finalists separated themselves by their physical play, incredible production in the run game, and by being the unquestioned heart and soul of their respective teams. This proved to be an important factor for the committee this year, as their team successes were a direct reflection of their noteworthy efforts up front.”

The award’s voting committee will announce the recipient of the 2021 Joe Moore Award in conjunction with a surprise visit to the winning university’s campus in late December.

“Nothing about O-line play is easy, and that includes the selection process for this year’s finalists,” said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and co-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. “This was a year where we things seemingly changed by the week, and we had some pretty thorough and heated debates as a result. However, that process and additional level scrutiny once again revealed the essence of what makes O-line units special: toughness and teamwork. Specifically, we noted how efficient Air Force was at coming off the ball and accelerating through defenders after contact, and how efficient Kentucky was at fitting up their inside zone read concepts and getting blockers to the point of attack on pull plays. Michigan impressed with a noteworthy ability to see it through one set of eyes [correctly pick up stunts, movement, and blitzes] as well as with their consistent use of hands in both the run and pass games, while Oregon State shined by how well they routinely put defenders on the ground and eliminated them from their gap responsibilities in the run game.”

“I’m not sure there was a complete unit that did everything perfectly this year, but it undeniable that our four finalists were exceptionally good at what they were asked to do, and all found ways to be at their best when their best was needed, and that really stood to the committee.”

 2021 Joe Moore Award Finalists at a Glance

Air Force (9-3)

· Air Force’s offensive line, nicknamed Diesel, entered the season with the most inexperienced offensive line in the nation with just three games started on its roster. No other team had less than 25.

· The Diesel has been outstanding this season, as the team has had eight different starting lineups up front, including three different centers starting.

· The Diesel has helped the Falcons lead the nation in rushing (340.8), lead the MW and rank second nationally in sacks allowed (.75) and rank second nationally in time of possession (36:41).

· The group also helped set an Air Force record for consecutive weeks leading the nation in rushing, as this week is the 10th straight week, breaking the record of eight set in 2010.

· Air Force’s 340.8 average is the best in program history since averaging 356.0 in 1989. The average is the fourth best overall at Air Force

· Air Force has run 91 consecutive running plays, gaining 600 yards and an average of over 6.0 yards per carry entering its bowl game

· Air Force has out-rushed its opponent in every game this season

· Air Force has rushed for 400 or more yards five times this season, including two straight games. The Falcons have averaged 498 yards the last two games, rushing for a season-high 511 vs. UNLV and 485 at Nevada.

· Air Force’s option offense is making things difficult on opponents, as the Falcons have run 205 more plays than its opponents, which is an average of 17.1 per game, and held the ball for an average of 13:24 more per game.

· The team ranks second in the nation in time of possession with a 36:41 mark. Air Force has won the time of possession battle in 11 of 12 games this season and run more plays 11 times.

What the committee is saying: “These dudes are so dang good at coming off the football. And this is despite the revolving door at multiple positions that saw ten different players play significant snaps. Their offense is so diverse, and I’m not sure people understand how well versed they are at blocking the wide variety of traditional run schemes they utilize. A true unit that plays together, and with an edge and physicality despite circumstance or situation. The effort and production versus UNLV with their backup QB and new faces along the line was ridiculous. They execute what they are asked to do as well as anybody in college football.”

Offensive line coach: Steed Lobotzke

Kentucky (9-3)

· Kentucky averages 5.51 yards per carry which led the SEC and ranks fourth nationally.

· The Wildcats are averaging 2.6 rush yards before contact, 24th-most in the country.

· Kentucky has a “Gotta Have It” rate of 66.7%, converting two thirds of the time they are in a 3rd and 3 or less or 4th and 3 or less situation.

What the committee is saying: “I’m in on Kentucky. First play of Vandy and you see it immediately. Body bag games aside, I think they see things well through ‘one set of eyes’ [sorting out assignments] and are great with run combos. Versus Tennessee they initially struggled with movement, but from play 9 on, where the C violently threw the NT down on a screen release, and plays 10 thru 12 which are riddled with pancakes, it started to show back up. I like that they got it sorted out on sideline and got it figured out so quickly. Have to be well coached and together to do that. Soft edges in pass pro at times, but these guys build a wall and pry dudes out. Consistently fly up to the second level with bad intentions. They’re enforcers, not watchers. Losing Cox for the home stretch will be tough, but I think they’ve earned their place based on what we’ve seen.”

Offensive line coach: Eric Wolford

#6 Michigan (12-1)

· Michigan leads the Big Ten and lists 10th nationally in rushing (223.8 yards per game).

· The Wolverines have surrendered 40 negative rushing yards all season on 520 non-quarterback carries.

· All five positions earned all-conference honors, with four of the five starters earning first or second-team accolades: Stueber (1st team), Hayes, Vastardis and Zinter (2nd) and Keegan (honorable mention).

· As a unit, the offense ranks top 20 nationally in 10 categories: tackles for loss allowed (1st), sacks allowed (3rd), red zone offense (7th), rushing offense (10th), scoring offense (13th), fumbles lost (13th), turnovers lost (15th), total offense (18th), first downs (22nd) and third down conversions (23rd).

· The Wolverines are one of the nation’s most balanced offenses this season, averaging 223.8 rushing yards and 228.1 passing yards per contest; gained 2,910 rushing yards and 2,965 passing yards this season.

· U-M leads all FBS programs with 39 rushing touchdowns this season.

· U-M leads the nation in fewest tackles for loss allowed per game (2.08 avg.) and is third in fewest sacks allowed (0.77 avg.)

· Michigan has allowed just 27 tackles for loss and nine sacks in 906 snaps this season.

· The Wolverines are second in the Big Ten and 13th nationally in scoring at 37.7 ppg.

What the committee is saying: “This group plays old school football with a physical edge. They faced stacked boxes as much as any group in the country, but still run with solid efficiency. They’re a big, Neanderthal type group that engulfs and prevents penetration. Initial aiming points are consistent whether they can maintain or not. TFLs are rare and adjust to blitz well. They seem to play their best ball in the fourth quarter when it matters most They rose to the occasion in their two most important games of the season against Ohio State and Iowa in the championship games rushing for 508 yards and 10 TDs. They epitomize what an O-line unit should mean to the success of the team. A bit surprised it took Harbaugh so long to get back to his DNA, but there’s no mystery as to why they just won their first Big Ten championship game and are suddenly competing for a national championship.”

Offensive line coach: Sherrone Moore

Oregon State (7-5)

· The offensive line has helped pave the way for the team’s rushing attack, which averages a Pac-12 best 217.3 yards per game and ranks T-12th nationally.

· The Beavers O-line have given up just 10 sacks, which leads the Pac-12 and is T-2nd nationally.

· Oregon State’s O-line is paving the way for an incredible 2.9 rush yards before contact, 2nd-most in the nation.

· The Beavers offensive line has allowed just 40 tackles for loss this season, the second-fewest in the nation.

· What the committee is saying: “In a season dominated by inconsistency, these guys can be relied upon for their ‘familiarity’. You don’t have to watch long to see their technique, effort, strain and finish. It looks like its supposed to look with them. This unit plays ‘as one’ and appear to be the unquestioned soul of the team. They lead the country in ‘Gotta Have It’ moments (3rd Down 3 or less or 4th Down/3 or less) converting 78% of the time when they need to convert. The fact that they have a linebacker playing wildcat on 4th down and are still unstoppable is just icing on the cake. This unit has everything we’re looking for.”

Offensive line coach: Jim Michalczik

Voting Committee

The Joe Moore Award voting committee is comprised of 13 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 2021 voting committee includes Chairman Cole Cubelic (Auburn, SEC Network); Charles Arbuckle (UCLA, Indianapolis Colts); Randy Cross (UCLA, San Francisco 49ers); Gerry DiNardo (Notre Dame, head coach at LSU); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, ESPN); Harry Hiestand (Joe Moore disciple, NFL and College O-line Coach); Barrett Jones (Alabama, St. Louis Rams); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach; founder of OL Masterminds); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); Sam Schwartzstein (Stanford, XFL rules creator); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com).

 Looking Ahead

After the finalists have been selected, a vote will be held to select the 2021 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), and the University of Alabama (2020 - first repeat winner).

 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).

 * CFP Poll as of December 5, 2021.

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Joe Moore Award Announces 2021 Semifinalists

Thirteen Units Earn Semifinalist Honor Through Tough, Physical O-Line Play 

NEW YORK, New York – November 23, 2021 — The Foundation for Teamwork announced today thirteen semifinalists for the 2021 Joe Moore Award, given to the top offensive line unit in college football. The Joe Moore Award has annually presented the unique award since 2015. 

The thirteen semifinalists include (in alphabetical order): Air Force, #25 Arkansas, Appalachian State, #9 Baylor, #1 Georgia, Kentucky, #23 Louisiana, #2 Ohio State, #6 Michigan, #12 Michigan State, #11 Oregon, Oregon State, and #18 Wisconsin. 

For games played through November 20th, the 2021 Joe Moore Award semifinalists have a combined record of 115-28 and represent six FBS conferences: BIG TEN (4), BIG-12 (1), MOUNTAIN WEST (1), PAC-12 (2), SEC (3), and SUN BELT (2). Combined, these teams average 439.7 total yards per game (compared to national average of 399.4) and 218.9 rushing yards per game (compared to national average 163.9), and represent four of the Top 10 and nine of the Top 25 in the latest AP poll.* 

“Due to unprecedented inconsistency for many teams and units, this has been a challenging year for our evaluation process,” said Cole Cubelic, lead sideline analyst for the SEC Network and the Chairman of the Joe Moore Award Voting Committee. “Several units that played well one week, struggled the next. And vice versa. This sort of inconsistency has made it more difficult than usual, but this year’s semifinalists have earned their inclusion through the sort of elevated play that excellence at our position requires.”  

The Joe Moore Award finalists will be named on Tuesday, December 7th. The eventual winner will be recognized in the ensuing weeks during a surprise, on campus visit to the winning unit’s school (TBD as per the winning school’s schedule).  

“Like in year’s past, in addition to the extensive film review and voting committee conference calls, we solicited the opinions of more than sixty-five FBS head coaches that had personally faced many of the O-line units under consideration,” said Phil Steele, analyst and founder of the popular preseason magazine Phil Steele's College Football Preview. “It’s been an honor to be a part of an award that matters so much to the O-line community, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

“Although it has been a challenging year to evaluate O-line units, what’s proven to hold true is the undeniable relationship between excellence at our position and winning football,” said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and co-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. “The exciting thing this year is that it’s still wide open, and these last few weeks will be extremely important, and we can’t wait to see who will be at their best when their best is needed.” 

2021 Semifinalists at a Glance

Air Force (8-3)

• Air Force, nicknamed The Diesel, has had eight different starting lineups this season, including starting three different centers.

• The Diesel has helped the Falcons lead the nation in rushing (325.4).

• Air Force leads the MW and ranks fifth nationally in sacks allowed with 10 (.82/game).

• Air Force ranks second nationally in time of possession (36:18).

• The Diesel set an Air Force record for consecutive weeks leading the nation in rushing, as this week is the ninth straight week, breaking the record of eight set in 2010.

• The Falcons are averaging 2.7 rush yards before contact, 11th-most in the country.

• What the committee is saying: “You guys were right, these guys get after it! They finish and strain better than anyone I've seen. I had to make myself look past their physical limitations, but they come off the ball with bad intentions. They do get assistance from other bodies on offense, but even the tight ends and wideouts get after it. Physicality and effort and teamwork and toughness are baked into their cake, so you better ‘buckle your junk’ when you play Air Force because if they get under your pads, its over.”

Offensive line coach: Steed Lobotzke

#25 Arkansas (7-4)

• The Hogs’ o-line has paved the way for 20 rushing plays of 20+ yards, which ranks third in the SEC and is tied for 22nd-most in the country. 

• Arkansas is averaging 222.3 yards per game rushing, the program’s best average since setting a school record when two-time Doak Walker Award winner Darren McFadden led the way in 2006.

• The Razorbacks’ o-line is one of two offensive lines in FBS to have paved the way for four rushers to gain 400+ yards this season. It’s the first time an Arkansas offense has had four 400+ yard rushers since 1975.

• The Arkansas offense has been explosive, especially on the ground leading the SEC and ranking second in FBS with 92 runs of 10+ yards this season.

• Through 11 games this year, the Hogs’ o-line is allowing just 2.0 sacks per game down from 3.4 last season.

• What the committee is saying: “This is a physical group with some limited athleticism that consistently wins with effort and strain. It’s got Sam’s [Pittman] fingerprints all over it. These guys attack defenders, ‘look for work’ and are willing finishers. If they stalemate, they still strain and will accelerate when defender comes off to make the tackle and they get movement or pancake. Rare to see that. Solid combination blocks both play side and backside on zone schemes. Play 42 of Mississippi State LG 62 get crumpled on a pull, but keeps coming and still tries to finish the guy off on his knees like he’s in that Monty Python scene. Will throw hands in pro, especially OT’s. All five usually win with hands, although they lost the hand leverage battle vs a very good Bama front, but still fought and competed. They’re the essence of what this award is about.”

Offensive line coach: Cody Kennedy

 Appalachian State (9-2)

• Appalachian State has allowed eight sacks in 11 games, which leads the Sun Belt and is tied for third nationally. 

• App State is 10th in the country in lowest pressure percentage allowed.

• What the committee is saying: “App State continues to put themselves in the conversation by having an edge and chippiness to their style of play. They seem to excel in the “Gotta Have Its” and goal line plays, and work combos with a consistency that is fun to watch. They admittedly struggled with Louisiana, but their collective body of work warrants their inclusion this year.

Offensive line coach: Nic Cardwell

#9 Baylor (9-2)

• Baylor’s offense ranks 2nd nationally with 5.69 yards per rush and 14th nationally with 6.71 yards per play.

• The Bears lead the Big 12 and rank 8th nationally with just 1.00 sacks allowed per game in 2021, including just five sacks allowed over the last six games.

• Baylor has increased its rushing production by 157% from last season, raising its rushing average from 90.3 ypg (123rd nationally) to 231.7 ypg (5th nationally).

• The Bears O-line has paved the way for 26 rushing plays of 20+ yards, tied for 3rd-most in the country.

• What the committee is saying: “This have been a fun unit to watch. Jeff Grimes is their OC and you can definitely see some of the same stuff we saw from the BYU units he coached. They even call their offense an RVO - a Reliable, Violent Offense, so you know what they’re trying to do and you see it.”

Offensive line coach: Eric Mateos

#1 Georgia (11-0)

• Georgia’s o-line unit has only allowed seven sacks this year.  That leads the SEC and ranks second nationally.

• The Bulldogs are 5th in the country in lowest pressure percentage allowed.

• Behind the protection of the o-line, the Bulldogs are averaging 40.4 points/game and 201.2 yards/game rushing during Georgia’s 11-0 start.

• The line has had quarterbacks Stetson Bennett and JT Daniels behind it this season and eight-game starter Bennett is on pace for the sixth-best single season completion percentage (64.4 percent) in school history thanks to the line’s protection.

• What the committee is saying: After and up and down start, they seem to be finding themselves. This group has been taking people’s lunch money lately. They come off the ball well, play hard, and give very good effort, and really understand hand leverage and seem to reset if they initially lose placement. Want to see more finish. Pass pro looks good but had some individual breakdowns when Tennessee defenders went to secondary moves, but its definitely getting better when it needs to. The TE crew, especially 86, is also laying the hammer. In fact, I almost feel like if Georgia wins the award, TE 86 needs to be in the picture for the Auburn game alone.”

Offensive line coach: Matt Luke

 Kentucky (8-3)

• Kentucky averages 5.28 yards per carry, fourth in the SEC and T-16th nationally. 

• The Wildcats are averaging 2.5 rush yards before contact, 24th-most in the country. 

• Kentucky has a “Gotta Have It” rate of 66.7%, converting two thirds of the time they are in a 3rd and 3 or less or 4thand 3 or less situation. 

• What the committee is saying: “I’m in on Kentucky. First play of Vandy and you see it immediately. Body bag games aside, I think they see things through ‘one set of eyes’ [sorting out assignments] really well and are great with run combos. I put on Tennessee and they initially struggled with movement, but from Play 9 on, where the C violently threw the NT down on a screen release, and plays 10 thru 12 which are riddled with pancakes, it started to show back up. I like that they got it sorted out on sideline and got it figured out so quickly. Soft edges in pass pro at times off the edges, but these guys build a wall and pry dudes out. Consistently fly up to the second level with bad intentions. They’re enforcers, not watchers. Losing Cox for the home stretch will be tough, but I think they’ve earned their place based on what we’ve seen so far.”

Offensive line coach: Eric Wolford

#23 Louisiana (10-1)

• Louisiana ranks third in the Sun Belt and 28th nationally in sacks allowed (1.50) and fourth in the Sun Belt in tackles-for-loss allowed (5.67).

• Louisiana’s rushing offense is 47th nationally behind the offensive line.

• Louisiana has been included on the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll the last two seasons and were semifinalists a season ago.

• What the committee is saying: “I was worried what was going to happen to this group when Rob [former o-line coach, Sales] went to the [NY] Giants, but their tradition of stellar OL play continues. Teamwork and tenacity are still their calling card. They ‘give each play a chance’ and do a good job on doubles and working backside. Clean in pass pro, led by their RT. I felt like their goal line and gap scheme stuff was their best tape when compared to the RPO stuff because it displayed their strain and effort the best. They dominated in their biggest game of the year versus App State and it was a fun watch. Deserving group.”

Offensive line coach: Jeff Norrid / Darnell Stapleton

#6 Michigan (10-1)

• Michigan has carried the ball 472 times for 2,402 yards and scored 28 rushing touchdowns.

• The Wolverines are one of the nation’s most balanced offenses, averaging 447.9 yards of offense per game; gaining 218.4 yards on the ground and 229.5 passing yards per contest

• U-M has run 783 plays and gained 4,927 yards for an average of 6.3 yards per play.

• The Wolverines have yielded just nine sacks, which leads the Big Ten and ranks fifth nationally.             

• What the committee is saying: “This group plays old school football with a physical edge. They faced stacked boxes as much as any group in the country, but still run with solid efficiency. They’re a big, Neanderthal type group that engulfs and prevents penetration. Initial aiming points are consistent whether they can maintain or not. TFLs are rare and adjust to blitz well. They seem to play their best ball in the fourth quarter when it matters most. We should learn all we need to know in Week 13 for a chance at a playoff spot vs a steadily improving Buckeye front.”

Offensive line coach: Sherrone Moore 

#12 Michigan State (9-2)

• Michigan State’s offensive line has helped pave the way for Heisman Trophy candidate Kenneth Walker III, who ranks second in the FBS with 136.2 rushing yards per game and fourth with 17 rushing TDs.

• MSU has allowed just 1.64 sacks per game, fifth in the Big Ten and 34th in the FBS.

• Michigan State is 27th in the country in lowest pressure percentage allowed.

• MSU regularly rotated nine offensive lineman during the first half of the season. Due to injuries, that regular playing group is now down to six.

• What the committee is saying: “This group strains to put their technique on tape. They hunt contact in pass protection and set a physical tone with the way they finish downfield. They are a steady unit that relies on their technique and understanding of the scheme to succeed. They maximize their talent with their effort, which is noteworthy. 

Offensive line coach: Chris Kapilovic

#2 Ohio State (10-1)

• Ohio State has the number one offense in the country in both total offense – 559.9 ypg – and scoring offense – 47.2.

• The offensive line has allowed just 35 TFLs this season, which is tied for seventh-best nationally.

• The line has also allowed just 13 quarterback sacks, which is second in the Big Ten and tied for 13th-best nationally.

• What the committee is saying: “Toughness and teamwork caught my attention. In an offense that thrives on deep developing play action passes, this unit does an outstanding job of making pass protection physical and sustaining blocks for the duration. In addition to athleticism, this unit's best trait is the way they see and read defenses through one set of eyes. In both the run and pass game, this group tracks linebackers and redirects as well as any unit I've seen. Against PSU they displayed a very good and consistent understanding of fronts, movement, and responsibilities vs an active DL and LB group that likes to stem/stunt/run blitz. They sorted really well in both run and pass, especially in 4 min at end of 4Q in run game. Feel like they can step it up when it matters. Very clear this staff believes in and expects this unit to perform in the ‘Gotta Have It’ situations, and repeatedly display this through the year with empty pro, with multiple runs in a row on GL, and in 4 min at the end of games." 

Offensive line coach: Greg Studrawa

#11 Oregon (9-2)

• The Ducks O-line is averaging 2.7 rush yards before contact, 10th-most in the country.

• 31st in the country in lowest pressure pct allowed

• What the committee is saying: “This Ducks O-line is about consistency and finish. They lost their starting RB and have played 20 plus O-line combinations this season due to injury and none of that has seemed to slow them down. They do a very good job building double teams and working to the second level, and really seem to love leaning on opponents. They rarely get stuffed, and consistently show up in the coveted ‘Gotta Have It’ moments. They also create a ton of room for backs to operate before they’re touched which my eye appreciates.”

Offensive line coach: Alex Mirabel / Mario Cristobal

Oregon State (7-4)

• The offensive line has helped pave the way for the team’s rushing attack, which averages a Pac-12 best 229.4 yards per game. That is also tied for the ninth-best mark nationally.

• The Beavers O-line have given up just 10 sacks, which leads the Pac-12 and ranks sixth nationally. 

• Oregon State’s O-line is paving the way for an incredible 2.9 rush yards before contact, 2nd-most in the nation.

• The Beavers offensive line has allowed just 37 tackles for loss this season, the third-fewest in the nation.

• What the committee is saying: “In a season dominated by inconsistency, these guys can be relied upon for their ‘familiarity’. You don’t have to watch long to see their technique, effort, strain and finish. It looks like its supposed to look with them. This unit plays ‘as one’ and appear to be the unquestioned soul of the team. They lead the country in ‘Gotta Have It’ moments (3rd Down 3 or less or 4th Down/3 or less) converting 78% of the time when they need to convert. The fact that they have a linebacker playing wildcat on 4th down and are still unstoppable is just icing on the cake. This unit has everything we’re looking for.”

Offensive line coach: Jim Michalczik

#18 Wisconsin (8-3)

• Wisconsin’s average of 229.4 rushing yards per game this season leads the Big Ten and tied for fourth among Power Five teams.

• No team has run for more yards (1,870) than Wisconsin since Oct. 9. The Badgers are averaging 267.1 yards per game on the ground during their 7-game winning streak.

• UW has allowed just 4 sacks over the last 7 games – including just 1 over the last 4 games.

• Wisconsin has allowed the fifth-fewest TFLs in the country (38.0).

• The Badgers have (19) rushing plays of 20+ yards, tied for 31st in the country.

• What the committee is saying: “We figured we’d see some units come on strong at the end, and Wiscy is definitely one of them. After a pretty rough start, the Badgers offensive line has played much better over the second half of the season and are a big part of Wisconsin’s resurgence. Their confidence seemingly rises by the week.”

Offensive line coach: Joe Rudolph

* AP Poll as of  November 21st, 2021.

Voting Committee

The Joe Moore Award voting committee is comprised of 13 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 2021 voting committee includes Chairman Cole Cubelic (Auburn, SEC Network); Charles Arbuckle (UCLA, Indianapolis Colts); Randy Cross (UCLA, San Francisco 49ers); Gerry DiNardo (Notre Dame, head coach at LSU); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, ESPN); Harry Hiestand (Joe Moore disciple, NFL and College O-line Coach); Barrett Jones (Alabama, St. Louis Rams); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach; founder of OL Masterminds); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); Sam Schwartzstein (Stanford, XFL rules creator); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com).

Looking Ahead

After the semifinalists and finalists have been selected, a vote will be held to select the 2021 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), and the University of Alabama (2020 - first repeat winner). 

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). 

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JOE MOORE AWARD ANNOUNCES 2021 MIDSEASON HONOR ROLL

Nineteen O-Line Units Gain Attention of Voting Committee

NEW YORK (Oct. 19, 2021) — The Joe Moore Award for the Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football today revealed the nineteen members of its 2021 midseason honor roll, announced The Foundation for Teamwork, which has presented the unique award since 2015.

Earning a spot on this year’s midseason honor roll are the O-lines of Air Force, #4 Alabama, Appalachian State, Arkansas, #20 Baylor, BYU, #14 Coastal Carolina, Florida, #1 Georgia, #15 Kentucky, Louisiana, #6 Michigan, #5 Ohio State, #3 Oklahoma, #10 Oregon, Oregon State, #22 San Diego State, Tennessee, and UCLA. 

This year’s honor roll members represent six conferences and one independent (in alphabetical order): BIG TEN (2), BIG-12 (2), MWC (2), PAC-12 (3), SEC (6), SUN BELT (3), and BYU. For games played through Oct. 16, teams on this year’s honor roll have a combined record of 101-24, and includes ten ranked teams.*

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. 16 and finalists on Dec. 7. Selection of the 2021 Joe Moore Award winner will be made public after a surprise visit to the winning university’s campus in late December.

“This has been a challenging year to evaluate O-line play due to some unexpected inconsistency.  But as always, the cream rises to the top and that certainly has been the case with the units on this year’s honor roll,” said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and founder of the Joe Moore Award. “As in year’s past, the bar will rise rapidly from here, and there could also be a surprise unit or two that emerges late in the year like Iowa did in 2016.” Taylor played guard at the University of Notre Dame for the award’s namesake, the legendary offensive line coach Joe Moore. 

“Each unit of this year’s Midseason Honor Roll has earned the right to be recognized for displaying the award criteria in ways that embody the essence of our position,” said Cole Cubelic, chairman of the Joe Moore Award voting committee and lead sideline analyst for the SEC Network. “As we move forward, consistency, physicality, and an ability to perform in the “gotta have it” situations will be key, differentiating factors. We’re about to enter the fun part of the season where O-line play matters most, and we’re excited to see who’s able to rise up down the stretch and have their ‘Moore Moment’.”  

Units of Interest: 

In addition to the O-line units listed above, committee members also took note of the play and production of Cincinnati, Michigan State, NC State, and SMU.

Honor Roll Criteria and Selection Process

The Joe Moore Award voting committee judges solely on six criteria: toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique and finishing. 

Evaluations for the midseason honor roll were made exclusively through weekly review of actual game film, including offensive line coach-provided cut-ups. 

2021 Honor Roll at a Glance

Air Force (6-1)

• Lead the nation in rushing and the only team averaging over 300 yards per game (336.4).

• They have had three starting centers and six different starting lineups in seven games.

• Entered the season with only three career starts returning....second closest team had 18, no other team with less than 25 (in the nation).

• Helped the Falcons to No. 2 national ranking in time of possession (37:38).

Offensive line coach: Steed Lobotzke

#4 Alabama (6-1)

• Alabama’s offensive front is opening holes and providing time for the nation’s No. 4 scoring offense (45.0 ppg), No. 4 pass efficiency offense (181.36) and the No. 13 passing offense (316.1 ypg). 

• The Crimson Tide’s rushing attack has been especially effective over the last four games, averaging 192.3 yards per game with seven rushing touchdowns and an average of 4.9 yards per carry.

• Preseason All-American LT Evan Neal has paved the way for the Crimson Tide offensive line, allowing just 1.5 sacks on 234 drop backs and accounting for a team high 15 knockdown blocks.

Offensive line coach: Doug Marrone

Appalachian State (4-2)

• Tied for 13th nationally with only six sacks allowed.

• Top three among Sun Belt teams in both scoring offense (2nd, 31.5 ppg) and total offense (3rd, 436.7 ypg).

• Running behind App State’s O-line, Nate Noel is the Sun Belt’s leading rusher at 92.2 ypg, and Camerun Peoples has the most rushing TDs in the league despite missing the last two games.

• Recognized as a top-15 line by the Joe Moore Award in 2018 and 2019 before being ranked as the No. 7 FBS offensive line by PFF College in 2020.

Offensive line coach: Nic Cardwell

Arkansas (4-3)

• Arkansas’ 64 rushes of 10+ yards rank 1st in FBS/1st in SEC.

• Offensive line has paved the way for 243 yards rushing per game, 4th in SEC and 8th in FBS, and 459.7 yards of total offense per game (5th in SEC).

• Arkansas offense leads FBS with 67 plays of 10+ yards against ranked opponents and has 121 plays of 10+ yards – 4th most in SEC.

Offensive line coach: Cody Kennedy

#20 Baylor (6-1)

• Baylor has increased its rushing production by 164% from last season, raising its rushing average from 90 ypg (123rd nationally) to 238 ypg (10th nationally).

• Baylor has started the same O-Line combination across all seven games this season: LT Connor Galvin, LG Xavier Newman-Johnson, C Jacob Gall, RG Grant Miller and RT Gavin Byers.

• Four members of the Baylor O-Line have combined for a total 103 starts across their careers.

Offensive line coach: Eric Mateos

BYU (5-2)

• BYU’s offensive line is top 25 in the country in fewest sacks allowed and red zone scoring.

• RB Allgeier is 12th in the nation in TDs (8), 14th in total yards (637), and 17th in yards per game (106).

Offensive line coach: Darrell Funk

#14 Coastal Carolina (6-0)

• The Chanticleers have allowed just 5.0 sacks over the first six games of the season, an average of under 1.0 per contest (0.83), which ranks first in the Sun Belt and eighth nationally.

• In fact, after allowing a season-high three sacks in the road win at Buffalo (Sept. 18), the Chants have not allowed a sack over their last three games [versus UMass (Sept. 25), ULM (Oct. 2), and at Arkansas State (Oct. 7)].

• The OL sets the tone for the Coastal Carolina “Teal Team 6” offense, as the Chanticleers lead the nation in third-down conversion percentage (61.8), fourth-down conversion percentage (100.0), completion percentage (77.1), and team passing efficiency (222.78).

Offensive line coach: Bill Durkin

Florida (4-3)

• Florida is T-7th nationally and ranks second in the SEC in sacks allowed with (5). 

• The Gators O-line has paved the way for 254.3 rush yards per game, which is fifth nationally and second in the SEC.

Offensive line coach: John Hevesy

#1 Georgia (7-0)

• The Bulldogs lead the SEC and are tied for fourth nationally in Sacks Allowed with only four through seven games (0.57/game).

• Featuring three backs with at least 240 yards rushing apiece through seven games, the line has allowed Georgia’s top trio to average 5.2 yards/carry.

• The Bulldogs have exploded on the ground versus their last three top 20 ranked opponents: 166 vs. #11 Kentucky, 201 vs. #18 Auburn, 273 vs. #8 Arkansas.

Offensive line coach: Matt Luke

#15 Kentucky (6-1)

• Behind Kentucky’s talented O-line unit, RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. leads the Southeastern Conference in rushing and is ninth nationally in total rushing yardage

• UK linemen already have been chosen Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week three times out of the six weeks this season.

• Kentucky is tied for 13th with rushing plays of 20+ yards (23). 

Offensive line coach: Eric Wolford

Louisiana (5-1)

• Louisiana ranks third in the Sun Belt and 28th nationally in sacks allowed (1.50) and fourth in the Sun Belt in tackles-for-loss allowed (5.67).

• Louisiana’s rushing offense is 47th nationally behind the offensive line.

• Louisiana has been included on the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll the last two seasons and were semifinalists a season ago.

Offensive line coach: Jeff Norrid / Darnell Stapleton

#6 Michigan (6-0)

• The Wolverines lead the Big Ten and are seventh in the NCAA in rushing offense at 246.5 yards per game

• The Wolverines offensive line has yielded just two sacks in 408 offense snaps.

• U-M leads the nation in fewest tackles for loss allowed per game (2.17 avg.) and ranks second in the NCAA in fewest sacks allowed (0.33 avg.); leads the Big Ten in both categories.

Offensive line coach: Sherrone Moore 

#5 Ohio State (5-1)

• Ohio State’s offensive line has helped the Buckeyes. rank No. 1 nationally in total offense with an average of 563.2 yards per game

• The offensive line is second nationally with just 14 tackles for loss allowed for an average of 2.33 per game.

• The line has also surrendered just eight QB sacks (T19th nationally) on 192 passing attempts.

Offensive line coach: Greg Studrawa

#3 Oklahoma (7-0)

• The Sooners’ O-line has paved the way for 6.94 yards per play this season, good for 11th nationally. 

• Oklahoma ranks seventh nationally with its 42.7 points per game and 14th with its 479.1 yards per game.

Offensive line coach: Bill Bedenbaugh

#10 Oregon (5-1)

• Oregon’s O-line has paved the way for 210.3 rushing yards per game, and 5.1 yards per carry. 

• The Ducks have only allowed 26 tackles for loss, which is second in the Pac-12 and T-16th nationally. 

Offensive line coach: Alex Mirabel / Mario Cristobal

Oregon State (4-2)

• OSU leads the Pac-12 averaging 242.3 rush yards per game, which also ranks ninth nationally.

• The Beavers have allowed just six sacks, the fewest in the Pac-12 and tied for ninth fewest nationally.

• Oregon State has given up just 18 tackles for loss, the third-fewest in the nation, and fewest in the Pac-12.

Offensive line coach: Jim Michalczik

#22 San Diego State (6-0)

• The Aztecs started the season with five straight 200-yard rushing games and currently rank 19th in the nation in rushing yards per game (215.3).

• SDSU has allowed just nine sacks on the season in six games, ranking in a tie for 28th in sacks allowed per game (1.50).

• San Diego State ranks 25th in the country in time of possession (31:44).

• The Aztecs have started the same five on the offensive line all five games.

Offensive line coach: Mike Goff

Tennessee (4-3)

• Tennessee is sixth nationally and third in the SEC in rushing yards per game (249.1). 

• Tennessee is tied for seventh nationally with 20 rushing TD.

Offensive line coach: Glen Elarbee

UCLA (5-2)

• On the ground, the Bruins average 5.0 yards per rush per game and 219.9 rush yards per game (17th nationally).

• The Bruins O-line have paved the way for RB Zach Charbonnet to lead the Pac-12 with 697 rushing yards this season.

Offensive line coach: Justin Frye

Voting Committee

The Joe Moore Award voting committee is comprised of 13 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 2021 voting committee includes Chairman Cole Cubelic (Auburn, SEC Network); Charles Arbuckle (UCLA, Indianapolis Colts); Randy Cross (UCLA, San Francisco 49ers); Gerry DiNardo (Notre Dame, head coach at LSU); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, ESPN); Harry Hiestand (Joe Moore disciple, NFL and College O-line Coach); Barrett Jones (Alabama, St. Louis Rams); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach; founder of OL Masterminds); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); Sam Schwartzstein (Stanford, XFL rules creator); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com).

Looking Ahead

After the semifinalists and finalists have been selected, a vote will be held to select the 2021 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), and the University of Alabama (2020 - first repeat winner). 

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 Oct. 17

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ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE WIN THE 2020 JOE MOORE AWARD

Teamwork, Physicality, Athleticism, and Finishing Impressed Voters

TUSCALOOSA, AL (Jan. 4, 2021) — The Foundation for Teamwork announced today that the University of Alabama’s offensive line is the recipient of the 2020 Joe Moore Award (JMA) for Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football. In a surprise, virtual presentation in the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility on the Crimson Tide campus, the offensive line was presented with the only award in college football that celebrates a group or unit. Alabama previously won the Joe Moore Award in its inaugural year in 2015, making the Crimson Tide the first ever two-time recipient of this prestigious award. 

“I believe most former collegiate offensive lineman like myself entered this season with very low expectations of what we would see at the line of scrimmage,” said Cole Cubelic, lead sideline analyst for the SEC Network and Chairman of the Joe Moore Award voting committee. “With no spring practice, very limited weight room access & distanced coaching, it just did not seem possible that anyone would be able to separate themselves from the pack. We were wrong. One group stood out as the most physically imposing O-line unit across college football, and it was Alabama. It was a joy to watch the way this group engaged combo blocks, helped one another in pass protection, made sure to find contact down field…and most important of all, finished.”

“This unit does an excellent job from guard to guard of working double teams hip-to-hip and with consistent footwork,” said Lance Zierlein, NFL draft analyst and member of the Joe Moore Award voting committee since 2015. “Their hand placement is generally good and it’s a unit that plays with a combination of strain and rhythm so that they can succeed in a number of blocking schemes. They gave their quarterback tons of time to throw the football and helped to impose the will of the running game on opponents.” 

Alabama's starting O-line has featured senior left tackle Alex Leatherwood (12 starts), redshirt senior left guard Deonte Brown (12 starts), redshirt senior center Landon Dickerson (12 starts), redshirt sophomore Emil Ekiyor Jr. (12 starts) and sophomore right tackle Evan Neal (11 starts). Redshirt senior Chris Owens has one start at center and one start at right tackle.

What Head Coach Nick Saban Had to Say: 

“I think this is one of the awards that I really cherish the most because it’s one of the few that honor a group of players, and the offensive line is a special group of guys,” Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban said on his weekly coach’s show Hey Coach on Dec. 10. “They all seem to have similar personalities. They all have the same kind of competitive characteristics. Probably play more together as a unit and as a group in terms of how they communicate, how they combination block and all those things more than any other group in football. I think this is a tremendous thing that you continue to do in Joe Moore’s honor because it does mean a lot to our group, who has won it before.” 

“In what proved to be one of the most unique and challenging seasons in college football history, Alabama’s O-line unit convincingly separated itself in the eyes of the voters by their effort and strain in the run game, and regularly demonstrating that pass protection is not passive in the throw game,” said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and co-founder of the Joe Moore Award. Taylor played guard and tackle at the University of Notre Dame for the Award’s namesake, the legendary offensive line coach Joe Moore. “What they have accomplished so far at the line of scrimmage has been nothing short of extraordinary, but they would be the first to tell you that the story of this 2020 Crimson Tide team is not yet over.”

2020 Joe Moore Award Winner at a Glance

Alabama (12-0)

• Alabama’s starting offensive line has only allowed QB Mac Jones to be sacked nine times in 12 games on 379 drop backs, or one sack 42.1 drop backs, while Jones leads the nation in passing efficiency (203.0).

• The Crimson Tide ranks second nationally in rushing touchdowns with 35 (2.92 per game) while ranking fourth in the SEC in rushing offense (185.7 ypg).

• The Alabama offensive front has blocked for the nation’s top-ranked Power Five scoring offense (48.2 ppg), the No. 1 pass efficiency offense (198.48) and No. 5 total offense (535.0).

• The Crimson Tide offensive line features consensus All-Americans and leading candidates for the Outland Trophy (Alex Leatherwood) and Rimington Trophy (Landon Dickerson).

• The veteran group boasts 126 career starts and their play has been the catalyst behind Alabama’s three Heisman Trophy candidates Najee Harris, Mac Jones, and DeVonta Smith.

Offensive line coach: Kyle Flood

What Voters Said

• “Once again, Alabama’s offensive line is the ideal combination of size, strength and technique. They play with consistency and do a nice job of working their double teams on zone concepts and battling with strain on single blocks. This is a group that functions very well together at a very high level. They are constantly looking to be great beyond what was asked on any given play.”

• “A great combo of athleticism and power. Their attitude as “tone setters” clearly shined through. It was also pretty clear in the “gotta have it” situations, that [offensive coordinator and play caller Steve] Sarkisian had a ton of confidence in this group. They were at their best when their best was needed, and that’s what this award is about.” 

• “This group was outstanding all season long. Technically and fundamentally sound. It’s impossible to be naturally good at fundamentals…so it has to be coached into them and it's clear [offensive line coach] Kyle Flood did an incredible job with this group, tackle to tackle.”

• “As a group, we believe there are three phases of a block (contact power/pop, sustain and strain, and the finish), and players must win two of those three phases on each play to be successful. Alabama was good in all three phases most of the time, regardless of scheme or opponent, which is all the more impressive given the conference only schedule and unique practice . ” 

• “Consistently finished their blocks. Always looking for work, especially on second level blocks which sprung many of the big runs. Pretty impressive how well these dudes moved in space on perimeter plays, often finding success versus more athletic players.”

• “Their ability to ‘sort through the trash’ was impressive versus movement (stunts or blitzes). I felt like they exemplified the teamwork criteria extremely well, seeing things through one pair of eyes. Play side double teams were clinic worthy at times as they regularly displaced some of the bigger defensive lineman in the most physical league in college football, which is not easy to do. No question that they were the best unit, tackle to tackle in 2020.” 

• “They were good out of the gate and got better by the week. Center Landon Dickerson was their enforcer. He definitely set the tone, but not the only one to do so. Their LT liked to mix it up as well. Physical group that looked to impose their will on opponents.”

The Foundation for Teamwork and Alabama Team Up to Support Academic Achievement

The Foundation for Teamwork is pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural "Teamwork Pledge”, a philanthropic initiative that will provide funding and other support to impact the academic achievement of underserved youth within the geographic footprint of the college that is awarded the Joe Moore Award. 

The University of Alabama will work collaboratively with the Foundation for Teamwork (home of the Joe Moore Award) to identify high areas of need within the state of Alabama in an effort to promote the values of teamwork and team culture to reduce existing inequities and better position underserved students to thrive in the future. "The Teamwork Pledge" is derived directly from the Joe Moore Award principle and O-line mantra: "I Am Because Of Us.”

Looking Ahead

No. 1 Alabama will make its 73rd post season appearance when it takes on No. 3 Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship in the Orange Bowl on Jan 11th at 8pm ET. 

Award Criteria and Selection Process

The Joe Moore Award voting committee judges solely on six criteria: toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique and finishing. 

Evaluations were made through weekly review of actual game film and offensive line coach-provided cut-ups on the. The voting committee also went through each of the finalists’ season-long, situational highlight reels and multiple back-to-back quarters of game film.

The 13-member Joe Moore Award voting committee selected a midseason honor roll in November 2020, followed by selection of semifinalists in and finalists in mid December. After the regular season, a voting body of 200-plus members selected the 2020 winner of the Joe Moore Award. 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, select media members and the Joe Moore Award voting committee.

Voting Committee

The Joe Moore Award voting committee is comprised of 13 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 2020 voting committee includes Chairman Cole Cubelic (Auburn, SEC Network); Charles Arbuckle (UCLA, Indianapolis Colts); Randy Cross (UCLA, San Francisco 49ers); Gerry DiNardo (Notre Dame, head coach at LSU); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, ESPN); Dave Harding (Duke, Blue Devil Network); Barrett Jones (Alabama, St. Louis Rams); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach; founder of OL Masterminds); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); Sam Schwartzstein (Stanford, XFL rules creator); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com).

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), the University of Oklahoma (2018), and LSU (2019). 

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).

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JOE MOORE AWARD ANNOUNCES 2020 FINALISTS

Nation’s Top College O-Lines Narrowed Down to Three Units 

NEW YORK (Dec. 21, 2020) — The Joe Moore Award for the Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football today revealed the selection of three finalists for this year’s national honor, announced The Foundation for Teamwork, which has presented the unique award since 2015. Finalists in the running to be named the top collegiate O-line in the country include (in alphabetical order) *No. 1 Alabama, *No. 4 Notre Dame, and *No. 5 Texas A&M.

For games played through Dec. 19, this year’s finalists have a combined record of 29-2 and share a combined six wins over current AP Top 15 teams, average 478.76 yards of total offense per game (compared to the national average of 399.91 ypg) and 203.43 rushing ypg (compared to the national average of 168.24 rushing ypg). 

The award’s voting committee will announce the winner of the 2020 Joe Moore Award who has best exemplified the criteria of toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique and finishing throughout the season after a surprise presentation to the winning unit’s university at a mutually agreed upon time in the near future.

“The finalists embody what the Joe Moore Award is all about, which is hard-working, like-minded individuals working together for the greater good without desire for personal gain,” 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. “The three finalists stood out all season long, and despite some late injuries, separated themselves through consistency, teamwork, and setting the tone for their entire teams.”

“We believe the O-line position to be the one that’s most dependent on coaching, offseason development, and consistent repetition of fundamentals,” said Cole Cubelic, chairman of the Joe Moore Award voting committee and lead sideline analyst for the SEC Network. “Given the extremely challenging circumstances of pandemic football, the committee was extremely impressed by the perseverance and in-season development by all three finalists. It’s refreshing to see that there is still a commitment to physical football in the modern era, and we appreciate the efforts of the O-line coaches to preserve this fundamental aspect of the sport.”

In addition to Alabama, Notre Dame, and Texas A&M, the voting committee was particularly impressed by Kentucky’s resilience, Coastal Carolina’s finish and tone setting, and Ohio State’s solid, high efficiency run and pass blocking despite seeing a variety of defensive fronts. 

Finalist Criteria and Selection Process

The Joe Moore Award voting committee judges solely on six criteria: toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique and finishing. These criteria were established by polling over 800 years of O-line playing and coaching experience before the inaugural year of the award by asking a simple question: “What were the top three characteristics of the best O-lines that you played on, or coached?” Evaluations for finalists were made solely through weekly review of actual game film and offensive line coach provided cut-ups.

2020 Joe Moore Award Finalists at a Glance

Alabama (10-0)

• Alabama’s starting offensive line has only allowed QB Mac Jones to be sacked eight times in 11 games on 377 drop backs, or one sack 47.1 drop backs, while Jones leads the nation in passing efficiency.

• The Crimson Tide leads the nation in rushing touchdowns with 35 (3.2 per game) while ranking third in the SEC in rushing offense (189.8 ypg).

• The Alabama offensive front has blocked for the nation’s top-ranked Power Five scoring offense (49.7 ppg), the No. 1 pass efficiency offense (197.5) and No. 5 total offense (543.9).

• The Crimson Tide offensive line features leading candidates for the Outland Trophy (Alex Leatherwood) and Rimington Trophy (Landon Dickerson).

• The veteran group boasts 121 career starts and their play has been the catalyst behind Alabama’s three Heisman Trophy candidates Najee Harris, Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith.

• What the committee is saying: “Once again, Alabama’s offensive line is the ideal combination of size, strength and technique. They play with consistency and do a nice job of working their double teams on zone concepts and battling with strain on single blocks. Losing Landon Dickerson late against Florida is a crusher if he can’t return, as it’s clear he is the glue that binds this incredibly talented unit. This is a group that functions together at a very high level. They are constantly looking to be great beyond what was asked on any given play.”

Offensive line coach: Kyle Flood

Notre Dame (10-1)

• The Irish lead the ACC and rank ninth in the FBS in third down conversion percentage with a remarkable 49.3 success rate.

• Four different Notre Dame offensive linemen have been rewarded for their stellar play by picking up ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors (RT Robert Hainsey, LT Liam Eichenberg, RG Aaron Banks, LG Tommy Kraemer), while left tackle Liam Eichenberg has been honored twice. Out of 10 regular season games, the Irish offensive line has been honored following five games. 

• The Irish rank third in the ACC and 21st nationally in rushing offense (217.6 ypg).

• What the committee is saying: “This unit was the gold standard of steady weekly improvement until the injuries of their C (Jarrett Patterson) and RG (Tommy Kraemer), but even then, they’ve still played at a pretty high level. The first thing you notice is consistency of their technique. They all shoot their hands very well and work to maintain leverage with their pads in the run game. Footwork and combos are what it should look like. Fundamentally sound unit with consistent sets and fierce punches in pass pro that’s clearly coached into them. The injury to their C and RG hurt their consistency, but not their effort. Resilient group.”

Offensive line coach: Jeff Quinn

Texas A&M (8-1)

• For the season, Texas A&M has given up 4.0 total sacks on the year and is allowing 0.44 sacks per game through nine games against only SEC opponents. The per-game average puts the Aggies in a tie for fourth nationally while standing atop the SEC.

• A&M’s 0.44 sacks allowed per game average is the lowest season average by any Power 5 team since Minnesota allowed 0.25 per game in 2005.

• The Maroon Goons went 24 quarters and 201 pass attempts without letting its opponent get to the quarterback. The streak spanned from the second quarter of the season opener against Vanderbilt until the third quarter of the LSU game.

• The Goons are allowing just 3.78 tackles for loss per game, which ranks sixth nationally and leads the SEC.

• At Auburn, the offensive line cleared the way for the Aggies to tally 313 yards on the ground, their highest single-game total of the season, as sophomore RB Isaiah Spiller recorded the 10th 100-yard game of his career and senior QB Kellen Mond became the second Aggie and fourth SEC QB to pass for 60 TDs and rush for 20 more in their careers.

• The O-line allowed just 1.0 tackle for loss at Mississippi State, the program’s fewest since not allowing a TFL in the 16-10 road win over Colorado midway through the 1997 season.

• The Aggies are averaging a robust 437.2 total yards/game and 6.4 yards/play.

• What the committee is saying: “This year they’ve been the catalyst for an offense that has shown a new level of toughness. In the second half of the Florida game, they battered the Gators on the ground and have been able to finish the season with strong efforts on the ground. They are a physical unit who work well together and get up to the second level extremely well. Right tackle Carson Green has been exceptional at clearing out space for his runners, and their RG Kenyon Green has a chance to be special. The unquestioned key for their offensive success was the fact that their O-line was dominant most of the season.”

Offensive line coach: Josh Henson

Voting Committee

The Joe Moore Award voting committee is comprised of 13 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 2020 voting committee includes Chairman Cole Cubelic (Auburn, SEC Network); Charles Arbuckle (UCLA, Indianapolis Colts); Randy Cross (UCLA, San Francisco 49ers); Gerry DiNardo (Notre Dame, head coach at LSU); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, ESPN); Dave Harding (Duke, Blue Devil Network); Barrett Jones (Alabama, St. Louis Rams); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); Sam Schwartzstein (Stanford, XFL rules creator); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com).

Looking Ahead

A vote will now be held to select the 2020 recipient of the Joe Moore Award by a voting body of 200-plus members. This voting body includes all of the current O-line coaches at the Division I/FBS level, as well as former players, coaches, colleagues of Coach Joe Moore, and a few, select qualified media members.

In an effort to aid in the evaluation, the Joe Moore Award voting will review each of the finalists’ season-long, O-line coach provided 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), the University of Oklahoma (2018), and LSU (2019). 

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).

* College Football Playoff poll as of December 20th, 2020.

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JOE MOORE AWARD ANNOUNCES 2020 SEMIFINALISTS

Eleven Units Earn Semifinalist Honor Through Tough, Physical O-Line Play

NEW YORK, New York – December 14, 2020 — The Foundation for Teamwork announced today eleven semifinalists for the 2020 Joe Moore Award, given to the top offensive line unit in college football. The Joe Moore Award has annually presented the unique award since 2015. 

The eleven semifinalists include (in alphabetical order): #1 Alabama, #23 Buffalo, #14 BYU, #9 Coastal Carolina, #18 Iowa, #8 Iowa State, Kentucky, #17 Louisiana, #2 Notre Dame, #3 Ohio State, and #5 Texas A&M.

For games played through December 12th, the 2020 Joe Moore Award semifinalists have a combined record of 85-13 and represent six conferences and one Independent: ACC (1), BIG TEN (2), BIG-12 (1), MID-AMERICAN (1), SEC (3), SUN BELT (2) and BYU. Combined, these teams average 455.35 total yards per game (compared to national average of 401.31) and 220.69 rushing yards per game (national average 168.98), and represent six of the Top 10 and ten of the Top 25 in the latest AP poll.*

“Much like it’s been for the players and coaches, this has been the most challenging year for evaluation we’ve ever had,” said Cole Cubelic, lead sideline analyst for the SEC Network and the Chairman of the Joe Moore Award Voting Committee. “What’s proven to hold true, however, is the undeniable relationship between outstanding offensive line play and winning football.” 

The Joe Moore Award finalists will be named on Monday, December 21st. The eventual winner will be recognized in the ensuing weeks during a surprise, on campus visit to the winning unit’s school (TBD as per the winning school’s schedule).  

“The lack of spring ball and fragmented fall camp clearly took an early toll on O-line development,” said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and co-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. “What’s been fun to watch, however, is the steady improvement from several units, many of which are making their debut as a Joe Moore Award semifinalist. The bottom line is that these eleven units represent the top 8% of O-line play during the most trying season in modern history.”

“Like in year’s past, in addition to the extensive film review and voting committee conference calls, we solicited the opinions of more than sixty-five FBS head coaches that had personally faced many of the O-line units under consideration,” said Phil Steele, analyst and founder of the popular preseason magazine Phil Steele's College Football Preview. “It’s been an honor to be a part of an award that matters so much to the O-line community, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

Alabama (10-0)

• Alabama’s starting offensive line has only allowed QB Mac Jones to be sacked six times in 10 games on 301 drop backs, or one sack per 50.2 drop backs, while Jones leads the nation in passing efficiency.

• The Crimson Tide is second nationally in rushing touchdowns with 33 (3.3 per game), while ranking third in the SEC in rushing offense (190.1 ypg).

• The Alabama offensive front has blocked for the nation’s top-ranked FBS scoring offense (49.5 ppg), the No. 1 pass efficiency offense (198.2) and No. 3 total offense (537.6).

• What the committee is saying: “Once again, Alabama’s offensive line is good combination of size, strength and technique. They play with consistency and are doing a nice job of working their double teams and battling with strain in single blocks. Starting center, Landon Dickerson, is playing at an incredibly high level and that energy and attitude is showing up with the entire unit. This is a group that functions together at a very high level. They are constantly looking to be great beyond what was asked on a particular play.”

Offensive line coach: Kyle Flood

Buffalo (5-0)

• Buffalo is the only team in the country to not allow a sack on the season. The Bulls have not allowed a sack in nine straight games dating back to last season.

• Buffalo leads the nation in rushing, averaging 344.6 yards per game. The Bulls are averaging 7.56 yards per carry.

• The Bulls have scored 27 rushing touchdowns on the season in only five games, tied for ninth in the nation.

• UB’s offensive line blocks for the nation’s highest scoring offense (51.8 ppg).

• Running back Jaret Patterson leads the nation in rushing (205.0 ypg). He rushed for 409 yards and 8 touchdowns against Kent State. The 409 yards were the second most in a game in FBS history and the 8 touchdowns tied an FBS record.

• What the committee is saying: “Big, physical group that tries to impose its will. All work hands inside and drive through angles in run game. Show pretty good athleticism in space. Work very well backside on combo blocks which allows for the big runs/cutbacks. They play well together. Truly a unit. They are more of a positional than power, but they show really good chemistry with their running back and I feel like he has a great confidence in the scheme and his guys up front. Production is undeniable. Deserving unit”

Offensive line coach: Scott Fuchs

BYU (10-1)

• Coached by Eric Mateos, BYU’s experienced and talented offensive line boasts a combined 170 starts and helps power a potent offensive attack for the Cougars in 2020.

• BYU ranks No. 8 in scoring offense (43.0 ppg) and No. 10 in total offense (510.1 ypg), and ranks No. 2 in the nation for the most plays of 10 or more yards and 30 or more yards.

• The Cougars rank No. 9 in the nation, allowing only 11 sacks in 11 games while protecting Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Zach Wilson to help fuel the team’s No. 12-ranked passing attack (322.8 mpg).

• Running back Tyler Allgeier has used the holes provided by the offensive line to rank No. 7 nationally in rushing yards per carry (7.31), No. 8 in rushing touchdowns (12) and No. 10 in rushing yards (957).

• What the committee is saying: “Big physical unit that likes to bully its opponents. Mature, thick frames are perfectly suited for their zone run schemes. Work well in pass pro and see it together. Good anchors and stay square fairly well in pass pro. Leave center on island a lot and trust him. QB is mobile and gets ball out quickly which helps, but they are a well-coached bunch - that is a big reason why their scheme and skill players are so successful. No mystery as to why this is BYU’s first 10-win season since 2011.

Offensive line coach: Eric Mateos

Coastal Carolina (11-0)

• Ranks second in the Sun Belt and 12th nationally in fewest sacks allowed per game at 1.09, and has allowed just 12 sacks all season. 

• Has surrendered one sack or less in nine of 11 games this year.

• Cleared the way for the CCU offense to total 500 yards of offense in three different games this season.

• Leads the way for the top scoring offense in the Sun Belt (37.9 ppg).

• Key part in CCU leading the Sun Belt and sixth in the nation in time of possession on the year at 34:15.

• What the committee is saying: “I believe this is the scrappiest, most physical, and best finishing unit we’ve had in the history of this award. And that’s not easy to do. Undersized scrappy bunch that plays with intensity and strain. Very good initial footwork. Physical on combos. O-line work to stay square. Feet and initial steps look good. Consistent. The center gets after it and is built like a fire hydrant. I wish I could have reached a nose like he does. RG looks to punish, and often does. Better buckle your junk when you play this group.”

Offensive line coach: Bill Durkin

Iowa (6-2)

• Iowa rushed for 127 yards and gained 338 yards total offense against a Wisconsin defense that was allowing 72.3 rushing yards and 229.3 total yards per game. Wisconsin ranks first in the nation in total defense and third in rushing defense.

• Through eight games Iowa’s offense is averaging 368.6 yards per game, including 171 rushing yards per game, and 31.8 points per game.

• Iowa’s offensive line has worked through a number of injuries, with three different players starting at right tackle in the eight games.

• Iowa has won six straight games, including a most recent 28-7 win over #25 Wisconsin.

• What the committee is saying: “This unit ‘looks familiar’ and has gotten better each week, despite a revolving door at RT and some at LG due to injuries. First steps are synced in the zone run schemes, even with the backups. Good anchors and usage of hands in pass sets. Finish when they can. Iowa always performs well regardless of talent level, but this year they have above average talent with above average technique. It’s impossible to be fundamentally sound, naturally. So, it’s clear they’re well coached.”

Offensive line coach: Tim Polasek

Iowa State (8-2)

• Led the Big 12 and ninth nationally in fewest sacks allowed with 10.

• On pace to set school records in scoring offense (34.0), total offense (441.7) and yards per play (6.6).

• Average 5.4 yards per rush, best in the Big 12 and sixth nationally (min. 6 games played).

• Rushed for a TD in all 10 games, including two or more in nine games. Ranked 11th  nationally in rushing TDs with 26.

• What the committee is saying: “Best and  most consistent O-line in the Big 12. Fun, gritty, physical unit that leads the way for the conference’s best rushing attack. Have separated themselves from the rest of the pack and it’s stayed that way throughout the regular season. Not a terribly high ceiling, but consistency, grit, and effort are all there…, which is all a head coach could want!” 

Offensive line coach: Jeff Myers

Kentucky (4-6)

• Kentucky’s offensive line has paved the way for top rusher, Christopher Rodriguez Jr., to average 6.9 yards per carry which leads the SEC and ranks 12th nationally. Playing in just eight games, he leads UK in rushing with 701 rushing yards and a team-high nine touchdowns.

• All totaled, the Wildcats have 139 combined starts on the offensive line. Seniors Drake Jackson and Landon Young have started in a combined 66 consecutive games.

• Behind the “Big Blue Wall,” the Wildcats rank fifth in the SEC in rushing at 187.7 yards per game.

• What the committee is saying: “What makes the play of Kentucky’s offensive line even more impressive this season is how they have handled the sickness and then the passing of their beloved offensive line coach John Schlarman. After a two-year battle with cancer, Schlarman passed away on Nov. 12, 2020. Despite battling extensive treatments, he rarely missed a game or practice, serving as an example to “finish.” When asked why he never wanted to miss he simply stated, “for the team.” He coached his final game in UK’s upset over Tennessee on Oct. 17, 2020. The former Wildcat and All-SEC lineman returned to his alma mater to join Mark Stoops’ staff in 2013, slowly building the “Big Blue Wall’ that would become his legacy. His offensive lines were semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award in 2016 and 2019.”

Offensive line coach: John Schlarman

Louisiana (9-1)

• Behind the offensive line, Louisiana boasts the 25th best rushing offense in the nation, averaging 207.8 yards per game.

• The Ragin’ Cajuns rank seventh nationally and lead the Sun Belt in sacks allowed (0.90).

• Louisiana also ranks seventh nationally and leads the Sun Belt in tackles-for-loss allowed (3.80).

• What the committee is saying: “Above average O-line that works to play ‘big’ and ‘physical’. Clearly take pride in the grind and grit. Both guards seem long, especially RG who is a mauler that is solid in PP (pass pro). All work to be physical in run game and not scared to throw hands in pass pro. Will take shots if there. Fun group.”

Offensive line coach: Rob Sale / D.J. Looney 

Note: Coach D.J. Looney passed away suddenly of a heart attack on August 1, 2020 and is missed by all who knew him during his college football athletic and coaching career.

Notre Dame (10-0)

• The Fighting Irish lead the ACC and rank seventh in the FBS in time of possession, controlling the ball for 34:09 minutes of game time. Behind its powerful offensive line, Notre Dame won the time of possession battle in 9-of-10 games this season. The 34:09 time of possession average leads the ACC by more than two minutes per game.

• The Irish lead the ACC and rank seventh in the FBS in third down conversion percentage with a remarkable 51.4 success rate.

• Four different Notre Dame offensive linemen have been rewarded for their stellar play by picking up ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors (RT Robert Hainsey, LT Liam Eichenberg, RG Aaron Banks, LG Tommy Kraemer), while left tackle Liam Eichenberg has been honored twice. Out of 10 games, the Irish offensive line has been honored following five games. 

• Notre Dame ranks second in the ACC in sacks given up (17), sacks allowed per game (1.70) and tackles-for-loss allowed per game (5.30).

• The Irish rank third in the ACC and 11th nationally in rushing offense (235.0 ypg).

• What the committee is saying: “This unit was the gold standard of steady weekly improvement until the injuries of their C (Jarrett Patterson) and RG (Tommy Kraemer), but even then, they’ve still played at a pretty high level. Clemson rematch will be telling. Fundamentally sound unit with consistent sets and fierce punches in pass pro. Footwork and combos in run game are what it should look like. LT playing really well.”

Offensive line coach: Jeff Quinn

Ohio State (5-0)

• The offensive line is the foundation of Ohio State’s Top 10 ranked offense (534.4 yards per game) and team scoring (46.6 points per game).

• The Ohio State offensive line has paved the way for the Buckeyes to rank 7th nationally in rushing and first in the Big Ten at 251.0 yards per game.

• Despite having three first-time starters along the offensive line and with four players starting at a position for the first time, the Buckeyes’ offensive line paved the way to a season high 322 rushing yards vs. Michigan State.

• What the committee is saying: “Sure wish we could’ve seen more from this Buckeyes unit, but it still is typical for what we’ve come to expect from OSU. Look for work. RG52 is a junk yard dog and could be best guard in the country. He served up a rib sandwich out of the gate on the 1Q INT versus IU. Unit carries and identifies stunts well, stay square and on same level. Run and lift and pads pop in run game with sustained leg drive across the board. Stud [Coach Studrawa] has himself another good one. ”

Offensive line coach: Greg Studrawa

Texas A&M (7-1)

• Texas A&M’s starting offensive line unit of Carson Green, Kenyon Green, Jared Hocker, Ryan McCollum and Dan Moore Jr. have started all eight games for A&M this season and have been on the field as a unit for 523 of the team’s 547 offensive snaps this season. 

• For the season, Texas A&M has allowed 4.0 sacks and is allowing 0.5 sacks per game, good for fifth nationally while standing atop the SEC.

• The Maroon Goons went 24 quarters and 201 pass attempts without letting its opponent get to the quarterback. The streak spanned from the second quarter of the season opener against Vanderbilt until the third quarter of the LSU game on November 28.

• The Goons are allowing just 4.0 tackles for loss per game, which ties them for ninth nationally and ties them for second with Kentucky in the league.

• The Aggies are averaging a robust 429.8 total yards/game and 6.4 yards/play.

• What the committee is saying: “This year they have been the catalyst for an offense that has shown a new level of toughness. In the second half of the Florida game, they battered the Gators on the ground and have been able to finish the season with strong efforts on the ground. They are a physical unit who work well together and get up on linebackers. Right tackle Carson Green has been exceptional at clearing out space for his runners.”

Offensive line coach: Josh Henson

Voting Committee

The Joe Moore Award voting committee is comprised of 13 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 2020 voting committee includes Chairman Cole Cubelic (Auburn, SEC Network); Charles Arbuckle (UCLA, Indianapolis Colts); Randy Cross (UCLA, San Francisco 49ers); Gerry DiNardo (Notre Dame, head coach at LSU); Mike Golic, Jr. (Notre Dame, ESPN); Dave Harding (Duke, Blue Devil Network); Barrett Jones (Alabama, St. Louis Rams); Duke Manyweather (Humboldt State, player and coach); Geoff Schwartz (Oregon, Carolina Panthers); Sam Schwartzstein (Stanford, XFL rules creator); Phil Steele (publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, ESPN); Aaron Taylor (Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers); and Lance Zierlein (NFL draft analyst, NFL.com).

Looking Ahead

After the semifinalists and finalists have been selected, a vote will be held to select the 2020 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 a few, select qualified 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, O-line coach provided 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), the University of Oklahoma (2018), and LSU (2019). 

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  December 13th, 2020.

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Announcement Date Update

The Semifinalist Announcement for the Joe Moore Award has been changed to Monday, December 14th.

The Finalist Announcement will still take place on Monday, December 21st.