Nov. 21, 2017
By Greg Ostendorf
AuburnTigers.com
AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn's offensive line was among seven offensive line units to be named a semifinalist award for the Joe Moore Award on Tuesday.
The award is given annually to the most outstanding offensive line in college football and is based upon toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique and finishing. The group of seven semifinalists will be narrowed down to three finalists next Monday, Nov. 27, and the winner will be recognized in mid-December.
"There is a noticeable improvement in O-line play this season compared to last year," said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and founder of the Joe Moore Award. "It's been exciting to watch the effort and resilience of these offensive lines over the course of this challenging and competitive season."
Auburn's offensive line, coached by Herb Hand, has helped pave the way for running back Kerryon Johnson this season. Johnson currently leads the SEC with 1,172 rushing yards despite missing two games. He also leads the league with 16 rushing touchdowns. As an offense, the Tigers have rushed for 300-plus yards in four different games, tied for the most in the SEC.
What's most impressive is that Auburn has started six different combinations up front this season. Senior Austin Golson has started at four different positions and is the first Tiger to do so since Auburn began tracking offensive line starts in 1986.
Greg Ostendorf is a Senior Writer for AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @greg_ostendorf