USC boasts one of college football’s best offenses. That is due, in no small part, to the work done by a veteran offensive line that has paved the way for success all season. So it came as no surprise on Tuesday to see USC’s unit was named one of nine semi-finalists for the 2022 Joe More Award, presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding offensive line.

The Trojans are joined on the semifinalist list by Air Force, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Ole Miss, Oregon, Tennessee, and UCLA. Unlike other college football awards, the Joe Moore Award goes to a unit, not an individual, and USC’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.

USC ranks 12th nationally in rushing efficiency this season, averaging 5.4 yards a carry.

That work has been made possible by an offensive line that has blocked the run game arguably the best of any team in the country. USC’s o-line ranks:

  • No. 1 in line yards per carry on standard downs
  • No. 1 in opportunity rate (64.5%; the percentage of carries when 4 yards are available that gain at least 4 yards)
  • No. 2 in line yards per carry
  • No. 2 in power success rate (92.6%; runs on third or fourth down with 2 yards or less to go that gained a first or a score)
  • No. 4 in stuff rate (10.8%; percentage of carries that are stopped at or behind the line of scrimmage)

Football Outsiders looks to divvy up rushing success between tailbacks and offensive lines. The Trojans are getting 3.3 yards, on average, just from their line.

The Trojans are back in action on Saturday at the Rose Bowl (5 p.m. PT, FOX) against crosstown rival UCLA.