Of the major success the University of Alabama has had in college football, despite an unprecedented COVID year, its offensive line deserves the most credit.
According to the Foundation for Teamwork, eleven semifinalists were chosen for the Joe Moore Award.
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Alabama’s group made the list, as it paced the most balanced attack in the nation.
The Crimson Tide navigated a challenging, conference-only schedule and managed to finish the regular season undefeated. Behind the likes of Landon Dickerson, Alex Leatherwood, Deonte Brown, Evan Neal and Emil Ekiyor Jr., Mac Jones was sacked only six times in 10 games (301 drop backs).
The protection given to him has the junior leading the NCAA in passing efficiency with a 203.9 rating.
Alabama is second in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for rushing touchdowns with 33, while ranking second in the Southeastern Conference for rushing offense (190.1 ypg). The offensive unit has Najee Harris leading the nation in rushing scores with 22.
When it comes to dominance in production, the Tide leads the nation for scoring offense (49.5 ppg) and pass efficiency offense (198.2), while ranking at No. 3 for total offense (537.6 ypg).
Per the Foundation for Teamwork committee, it said Alabama’s offensive line is a ‘good combination of size, strength and technique.”
It praised Dickerson’s energy, attitude and level of play, while recognizing the consistency of the whole group.
Under the guidance of Kyle Flood, the front line has three players — Mac Jones, Najee Harris and DeVonta Smith — in the conversation to be Heisman Trophy finalists and one of them may win it.
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It has a showdown with Florida for the SEC Championship on Saturday, but Alabama eyes its second Joe Moore honor. Since the award was first established in 2015, the Tide won it that year and also earned a national championship.
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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 @CoachingMSmith.
