LOS ANGELES – The USC offensive line has been named to the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor roll, recognizing the nation’s top offensive line units, the award announced Wednesday. The Trojans‘ consistent performance has been a key factor in USC’s high-powered offense, which ranks No. 3 nationally in scoring, averaging 45.5 points per game, and averages 325.8 passing yards and 226.5 rushing yards per game.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava has benefited from the line’s protection, completing 123-of-171 passes (.719) for 1,852 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the nation in yards per pass attempt (10.83). He also leads the Big Ten in passing yards (1,852), passing yards per game (308.7), and passing yards per completion (15.06). Maiava has been sacked only three times all season, tying him for the fewest sacks taken by a big Ten quarterback and ranking second fewest in the Power Four.
The line’s run blocking has paved the way for seven different Trojans to score, totaling 19 rushing touchdowns this season. Despite being without essentially three starters at various points,the offensive line has maintained a high level of productivity.
In a recent standout performance against Michigan, USC gained 489 yards and averaged 7.2 yards per play. This marked the first time Michigan had allowed more than 7 yards per play since its College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Georgia in December 2021. USC rushed for 224 yards against the Wolverines, the most Michigan has surrendered since 2022 against Ohio State (252 yards).
Redshirt freshman running back King Miller rushed for 158 yards on 18 attempts (8.8 avg.) against Michigan, while Maiava went 25-of-32 for 265 yards (.781) with 2 touchdowns.The Wolverines did not sack Maiava, hitting him only twice.
The offensive line’s versatility is highlighted by Tobias Raymond, who has started at three different positions - left guard four times, and left and right tackle once each – this season.
“It says we’re a tough, physical program,” said USC head coach Lincoln Riley. “That defensive line (Michigan) had a lot of really good players. To have the performance that they did minus three starters, I don’t think many offensive lines in the country would have been able to do that.”
The Joe Moore Award is presented annually to the nation’s best offensive line unit. The midseason honor roll is a watch list for the eventual award winner. Offensive line coach Zach Hanson also contributes to the progress of the Trojan offensive line.
