TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It has not been pretty, but Alabama’s offensive line for the most part looks steady this season.
Under position coach Brent Key, the group has helped the team remain among the ranks of the unbeaten at 10-0 and have a chance to win the SEC West.
After winning the inaugural Joe Moore Award in 2015, the Crimson Tide is among seven semifinalists for the honor – per an announcement from the Foundation of Teamwork on Tuesday.
Named after Joe Moore, who was widely regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in college football history, the Joe Moore Award is the only major college football award that honors a particular unit or group. It is presented annually to the nation’s top offensive line.
Behind a group that is led by Bradley Bozeman, Ross Pierschbacher and Jonah Williams, Alabama’s offense leads the Southeastern Conference and is ninth in the nation in rushing yards (270.3 ypg), seventh nationally in yards per attempt (6.03), sixth in the nation with the fewest tackles for loss allowed (42) and has not rushed for fewer than 100 yards in any game this year.
Sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts continues to benefit from the guys up front, as he accounts for 2,514 total yards (1,828 passing, 686 rushing) and 22 touchdowns to one interception.
Alabama joins Auburn, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Stanford and Wisconsin on the list, and with the exception of the Cardinal, the other five institutions are in the top-10 of the College Football Playoff rankings.
The Crimson Tide stand atop the rankings as the No. 1 overall seed.
Three finalists will be chosen for the Joe Moore Award on Monday, Nov. 27 and a winner shall be announced during mid-December, during a surprise, on-campus visit to the winning unit’s school.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
