BYU offensive line named Joe Moore Award semifinalists

NEW YORK — The BYU offensive line was named a semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award on Monday for its outstanding play as an overall unit in 2020.

The Cougars are one of 11 semifinalists for the award that recognizes the nation’s most outstanding offensive line. The announcement was made by The Foundation for Teamwork, which has presented the unique award since 2015.

Coached by Eric Mateos, BYU’s experienced and talented offensive line boasts a combined 170 starts and helps power a potent offensive attack for the Cougars in 2020. BYU ranks No. 8 in scoring offense (43.0 ppg) and No. 10 in total offense (510.1 ypg) and is No. 2 nationally for the most plays of 10 or more yards and 30 or more yards from scrimmage 

BYU’s offensive front is highlighted by All-America candidate Brady Christensen (Jr. LT) and Rimington Trophy watch lister James Empey (Jr. C).  Clark Barrington (So. LG), Tristen Hoge (Sr. RG), Chandon Herring (Sr. RG/RT), Blake Freeland (So. RT) and Joe Tukuafu (Jr. C/G) have also played significant starting rolls during the season. Other contributors to the unit's success on the field this year have included Harris LaChance (So. G/T), Kieffer Longson (Sr. G/T), Conner Pay (Fr. C/G), Brayden Keim (Fr. G), Keanu Saleapaga (Jr. G/T) and Mo Unutoa (Jr. G). 
 
The Cougars have allowed just 11 sacks in 11 games, which ranks No. 9 nationally, while protecting Heisman Trophy candidate Quarterback Zach Wilson, who ranks No. 2 in points responsible for (234), No. 2 in passing touchdowns (30), No. 3 in passing efficiency (195.35), No. 3 in passing yards per attempt (10.88), No. 4 in completion percentage (.731) and No. 5 in passing yards (3,274), among his many top rankings.

Running back Tyler Allgeier has used the holes provided by the offensive line to rank No. 7 nationally in rushing yards per attempt (7.31), No. 8 in rushing touchdowns (12) and No. 10 in rushing yards (957). 

What the Joe Moore Award committee is saying about BYU’s strong offensive front: "Big physical unit that likes to bully its opponents. Mature, thick frames are perfectly suited for their zone run schemes. Work well in pass pro and see it together. Good anchors and stay square fairly well in pass pro. Leave center on island a lot and trust him. QB is mobile and gets ball out quickly which helps, but they are a well-coached bunch - that is a big reason why their scheme and skill players are so successful. No mystery as to why this is BYU’s first 10-win season since 2011."

The list of semifinalists joining BYU include Alabama, Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, Iowa, Iowa State, Kentucky, Louisiana, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Texas A&M. The 11 semifinalist teams have a combined record of 85-13 through games on Dec. 12. 

Finalists for the Joe Moore Award will be announced on Dec. 21. Selection of the 2020 Joe Moore Award winner will be made public in late December or early January after a surprise announcement on the winning unit’s campus, as mutually agreed upon and circumstances allow.