Texas Longhorns offensive line unit named Joe Moore Award semifinalist
Texas Longhorns offensive line unit was named a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award, the Foundation for Teamwork announced on Tuesday. The Joe Moore Award is presented annually to the most outstanding offensive line unit in college football.
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UT’s offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Kyle Flood has used the same five starters along the offensive line in nine of 10 games this season. From left tackle to right tackle, Texas has started Kelvin Banks Jr., Hayden Conner, Jake Majors, DJ Campbell and Christian Jones, with Cameron Williams, Cole Hutson and Connor Robertson also seeing time along the line.
Under the direction of Flood, the Longhorns are 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).
“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,” the committee noted. “Steve Sarkisian’s offense requires an offensive line that is balanced in their run/pass technique and duties and the Longhorns are just that. Flood’s unit at Bama won it in 2002, and you can really see his handiwork with this group.”
The Texas offensive line has opened holes for running back Jonathon Brooks, who prior to getting injured last week versus TCU 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). Freshman CJ Baxter has also shown promise in his first season on the Forty Acres.
Texas is among 12 offensive line units earned semifinalist distinction from the Joe Moore Award voting committee. Finalists will be announced on Dec. 5 and 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 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 cutups.
Texas returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 18 with a Big 12 Conference road matchup at Iowa State. The Longhorns and Cyclones will kick off at 7:00 p.m. CT with the game airing on FOX.
