NOTRE DAME, Indiana — The University of Notre Dame offensive line unit has been selected as a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award, a distinction that annually honors the “toughest, most physical offensive line in the country.” Notre Dame won the award in 2017, and the Irish were also semifinalists in 2018.
The Fighting Irish lead the ACC and rank seventh in the FBS in time of possession, controlling the ball for 34:09 minutes of game time. Behind its powerful offensive line, Notre Dame won the time of possession battle in 9-of-10 games this season. The 34:09 time of possession average leads the ACC by more than two minutes per game.
On the game’s biggest downs, the Notre Dame offensive line shines its brightest, helping move the chains at a high level on third down. The Irish lead the ACC and rank seventh in the FBS in third down conversion percentage with a remarkable 51.4 success rate.
Four different Notre Dame offensive lineman have been rewarded for their stellar play by picking up ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors (RT Robert Hainsey, LT Liam Eichenberg, RG Aaron Banks, LG Tommy Kraemer), while left tackle Liam Eichenberg has been honored twice. Out of 10 games, the Irish offensive line has been honored following five games. In addition to his two ACC weekly honors, Eichenberg has been named a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy, while right tackle Robert Hainsey is a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award.
Notre Dame ranks second in the ACC in sacks given up (17), sacks allowed per game (1.70) and tackles-for-loss allowed per game (5.30).
The Notre Dame offensive line has paved the way for a 1,000 yard rusher in redshirt freshman Kyren Williams, who has collected 1,011 rushing yards through 10 games. As a unit, the Irish rank third in the ACC and 11th nationally in rushing offense (235.0 ypg).
Finalists for the award will be announced on December 21.