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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