COLUMBUS, Ohio -- One judge for the Joe Moore Award said Ohio State’s offensive line resembles “angry dancing bears” when executing the Buckeyes’ stretch running game.
That effort opened up some of the massive holes J.K. Dobbins and Justin Fields burst through this season. The Buckeyes’ offensive line was asked to do more this season, laying the foundation for an offense both versatile and powerful.
That usually leads to recognition for the skill players who benefit most, but now the offensive line is in the running for its own accolades.
The Foundation for Teamwork announced Tuesday that the Ohio State offensive line is one of four finalists for the Joe Moore Award for the Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football.
Alabama, LSU and Oregon are the other three finalists, which will be announced via a surprise visit to the winning groups campus in mid-December.
Left tackle Thayer Munford, left guard Jonah Jackson, center Josh Myers, right guard Wyatt Davis and right tackle Branden Bowen blocked for an offense that ranks first nationally in scoring offense, fifth in rushing offense and fifth in quarterback efficiency rating. Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa is in his fourth season.
The Moore Award voting committee judges candidates on six criteria: Toughness, Effort, Teamwork, Consistency, Technique and Finishing. It also analyzes film and offensive line data and analytics.
According to a news release, Ohio State’s offensive line was credited with 339 knockdowns in 13 games.
The same judge who compared the Buckeyes’ linemen to disgruntled circus bears noted how cohesively the unit worked together, even when pushing to the second level.
“Their physicality shines in the varied run schemes that include everything from midline read option to traditional stretch and split zone," said the judge, per comments included in the news release. "Do a nice job of running off the ball and have very good contact power on one on one base blocks. No hesitation and play with heavy, solid, deliberate feet.”
The committee also noted Ohio State averaged 175 yards in five games against rush defenses ranked No. 1, 4 (twice), 7 and 13 at the time of those games.
“Ohio State has always had talented players up front, but this year that talent was matched by a desire to bury their opponent on each and every play," said another judge quoted in the new release. "An incredibly athletic group who imposed its will while leading one of the nation’s top rushing attacks.”
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