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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