LUBBOCK, TX — The Texas Tech offensive line has been named to the midseason honor roll for the Joe Moore Award, which recognizes the top offensive line unit in college football. The Red Raiders are one of 22 teams nationwide to make the list and one of three from the Big 12 Conference, joining Kansas State and West Virginia.
This is the first time Texas Tech has been recognized on the midseason honor roll since the award's inception in 2015. The Red Raiders' offensive success this season has been driven by a balanced attack that has positioned the team as the only school in the nation to feature a top-10 leader in passing yards (Behren Morton), a top-15 receiver (Josh Kelly), and a top-10 rusher (Tahj Brooks).
Brooks has been a standout player, leading the Big 12 and ranking fourth in the FBS with 679 rushing yards despite missing a game earlier this season. He is currently third in the FBS for rushing yards per game (135.8) and tied for 14th in rushing touchdowns with seven.
Texas Tech Offensive Line
(Credit: texastech.com)
Morton, with the help of the offensive line's protection, has thrown for 1,640 passing yards this season, ranking ninth in the FBS. Texas Tech leads the Big 12 in points per game with 39.3 and has allowed just seven sacks despite ranking third nationally with 238 pass attempts.
The Red Raiders have achieved their success despite shuffling through four different starting lineup combinations on the offensive line. The team ranks third in the Big 12 for pressure rate, allowing just 22.9 percent, and is one of only seven teams nationally to average more time to pressure (2.7 seconds) than time to throw (2.54 seconds).
The Joe Moore Award will narrow the honor roll to a group of semifinalists on Nov. 12, with three finalists named on Dec. 3. The winner will be announced after a surprise campus visit in late December.
Texas Tech (5-1, 3-0 Big 12) will aim to extend its four-game winning streak when it hosts Baylor for Homecoming on Oct. 19, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. at Jones AT&T Stadium.
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