NEW YORK – The Foundation for Teamwork announced Tuesday afternoon that Tennessee’s offensive line is one of 12 semifinalists for the 2023 Joe Moore Award, presented annually to the most outstanding offensive line unit in college football.
The 12 semifinalists include (in alphabetical order): Florida State, Georgia, Kansas State, LSU, Michigan, Missouri, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.
The Vols, under the direction of assistant coach Glen Elarbee, are just one of four groups to be named semifinalists in 2022 and 2023, joining Georgia, Michigan and Oregon.
Despite a rash of injuries, Tennessee’s offensive line has been resilient and spearheads an offense that ranks second in the SEC and eighth in the nation in rushing yards per game at 213.3. Their ability to create openings and protect the quarterback has paved the way for an offensive unit that averages 454.8 yards per game, placing them fourth in the SEC and 17th nationally.
Not only excelling in creating opportunities on the ground, the Vols also showcase prowess in the passing game, allowing the offense to average 6.58 yards per play – ranking them 21st in the nation.
The Tennessee protection unit has kept the pocket clean for its quarterbacks this season, surrendering only 16 sacks – representing the second-fewest in the SEC behind only Georgia (9). Allowing just 1.60 sacks per game, that mark is the second-fewest in the SEC and the fewest by a Tennessee offensive line since the 2013 squad allowed 1.25 per game.
The 12 semifinalists include (in alphabetical order): Florida State, Georgia, Kansas State, LSU, Michigan, Missouri, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.
The Vols, under the direction of assistant coach Glen Elarbee, are just one of four groups to be named semifinalists in 2022 and 2023, joining Georgia, Michigan and Oregon.
Despite a rash of injuries, Tennessee’s offensive line has been resilient and spearheads an offense that ranks second in the SEC and eighth in the nation in rushing yards per game at 213.3. Their ability to create openings and protect the quarterback has paved the way for an offensive unit that averages 454.8 yards per game, placing them fourth in the SEC and 17th nationally.
Not only excelling in creating opportunities on the ground, the Vols also showcase prowess in the passing game, allowing the offense to average 6.58 yards per play – ranking them 21st in the nation.
The Tennessee protection unit has kept the pocket clean for its quarterbacks this season, surrendering only 16 sacks – representing the second-fewest in the SEC behind only Georgia (9). Allowing just 1.60 sacks per game, that mark is the second-fewest in the SEC and the fewest by a Tennessee offensive line since the 2013 squad allowed 1.25 per game.
The Joe Moore Award finalists will be named on Tuesday, Dec. 5. The eventual winner will be recognized in the ensuing weeks during a surprise, on-campus visit to the winning unit’s school.
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