Few offensive lines in the country have been as effective this season as Oregon’s, so it came as no surprise on Tuesday when the Ducks’ unit was named one of nine semi-finalists for the 2022 Joe More Award, presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding offensive line.

Oregon is joined on the semifinalist list by Air Force, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Ole Miss, Tennessee, UCLA, and USC. Unlike other college football awards, the Joe Moore Award goes to a unit, not an individual, and Oregon’s unit has been exceptional this year.

“There is a noticeable improvement in O-line play this season as compared to what we saw last year,” said voting committee chairman Cole Cubelic in a release. “It’s been a pleasure to watch the effort and resilience of these O-lines over the course of the season, especially since many of them have really risen to the challenge over the last couple of weeks.”

Finalists for the award will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 6. The eventual winner will be recognized in the ensuing weeks during a surprise, on campus visit to the winning unit’s school.

The Ducks’ offensive line leads the country in sacks allowed this season, giving up only two through 10 games. They’re the only team in college football to be under five sacks allowed this season. Eight times this year Oregon has gone through a game without allowing a single sack.

Oregon is also tied for fourth nationally for the fewest tackles for loss allowed this year. Against Arizona earlier this season, the Ducks recorded their first game since 2010 with zero TFLs.

And it’s not just a pass-pro-sound unit. Oregon ranks fourth nationally in rushing efficiency, averaging 5.9 yards per carry this season.

As such, three Ducks have been named Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Week throughout the season. Oregon has won the award four times in 10 weeks, the most of any Pac-12 team.

Oregon (8-2, 6-1 Pac-12) returns to the field Saturday against Utah (8-2, 6-1 Pac-12) for Senior Night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN.