2014 Offensive Line Coach of the Year - Finalists

The FootballScoop Coaches of the Year awards, presented by ProGrass, are the only set of awards that recognize the most outstanding position coaches in college football. Finalists were selected based off of nominations by coaches, athletic directors and other athletic department personnel. The winner will be chosen by the previous winners of this award and will be announced on Friday December 12th.

The 2014 FootballScoop Coaches of the Year will be recognized and will receive their awards at an event held in their honor at the American Football Coaches Association's annual convention in January in Louisville, KY.

Previous winners of the Offensive Line Coach of the Year award are Steve Greatwood (Oregon, 2008), Tony Wise (Pittsburgh, 2009), Bob Bostad (Wisconsin, 2010), Greg Studrawa (LSU, 2011), Ed Warinner (Ohio State, 2012), and Mike Bloomgren (Stanford, 2013)

Alex Atkins, Georgia Southern

Alex Atkins' offensive line ranked among the national leaders in arguably the most important statistics for every offensive line - yards per carry and sacks allowed. The Eagles led the nation with 379.9 yards per game, and did so while averaging a third-best 7.11 yards per carry. While running the ball 641 times and hoisting 155 passes, Georgia Southern managed to allow only 42 tackles for loss on the season (fourth best nationally) and just five sacks (first). Georgia Southern also ranked ninth nationally in third down conversions and moved the sticks on 10-of-16 fourth down attempts.

Key Stats

• 1st in sacks allowed (0.42 per game)
• 4th in tackles per loss allowed (3.5 per game)
• 3rd in yards per carry (7.11)
• 1st in rushing offense (379.9 yards per game)
• 3rd in yards per play (7.34)

John Hevesy, Mississippi State

Few teams had as devastating a one-two jab as Mississippi State's passing and running games, and it was made possible thanks to John Hevesy's offensive line. The Bulldogs averaged more than 266 passing yards per game and ranked 16th in passing efficiency while also placing 21st in rushing at a shade under 240 yards per game. Mississippi State ranked ninth in total offense, up from 42nd last year, and 17th in scoring offense, up from 70th.

Key Stats

• 17th in scoring offense (37.2 points per game)
• 21st in rushing offense (239.8 yards per game)
• 14th in yards per attempt (8.6)
• 9th in total offense (506.2 yards per game)

Alex Mirabal, Marshall

Quarterback Rakeem Cato drew the press, but the Marshall Thundering Herd were much more of a ground-and-pound attack in 2014 than one would assume, and that was made possible by the consistent execution of Alex Mirabal's offensive line. While leading the nation in yards per play at 7.87, Marshall ranked second in tackles for loss allowed, second in scoring offense, seventh in rushing offense and second in yards per carry. Marshall was also excellent on third downs, ranking third nationally at 52.9 percent.

Key Stats

• 2nd in tackles for loss allowed (3.21 per game)
• 1st in yards per play (7.87)
• 2nd in yards per carry (7.12)
• 2nd in scoring offense (46.7 points per game)
• t-9th in yards per attempt (8.8)

Mark Staten, Michigan State

Michigan State enjoyed its best offensive season under Mark Dantonio, and that's thanks in large part to the big guys up front. Michigan State ranks 23rd nationally in rushing offense - up from 59th last season - and 18th in passing efficiency, up from 63rd. The Spartans also place fifth in sacks allowed and sixth in tackles for loss allowed. That's a level of balance unmatched across college football this season.

 Key Stats

• 6th in tackles for loss allowed (4.17)
• 5th in sacks allowed (0.83 per game)
• 23rd in rushing offense (234.9 yards per game)
• 9th in yards per attempt (8.8)
• 7th in scoring offense (up 46 spots from 2013)

Ed Warinner, Ohio State

Quarterback J.T. Barrett had an outstanding debut season, constantly improving as the season progressed, and that was made possible thanks to excellent protection and a consistent running game provided by Ed Warinner's offensive line. The Buckeyes ranked 12th nationally in rushing, second in passing efficiency, and 20th in tackles for loss allowed. The Buckeyes were also the fourth-best team nationally on third down, converting just under 53 percent of the time.

Key Stats

• 7th in yards per play (6.86)
• 11th in yards per carry (5.63)
• 8th in yards per attempt (8.9)
• 5th in scoring offense (44.1 points per game)
• 20th in tackles for loss allowed (4.75)

T.J. Woods, Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a tradition for excellent line play, but T.J. Woods' group took it to another level, bulldozing opposing fronts at a record pace. Wisconsin ranks third nationally in rushing offense and first in yards per carry and rush plays of 20-plus yards. In the passing game, the Badger line has surrendered the third-fewest sacks in college football. Oh, and Melvin Gordon has an outside shot at breaking Barry Sanders' single-season FBS rushing record. Wisconsin ranked fourth nationally in fourth down conversions, moving the sticks on eight of 10 attempts.

Key Stats

• 3rd in sacks allowed (0.75 per game)
• 1st in yards per carry (7.2)
• 3rd in rushing offense (334.2 yards per game)
• 1st in rush plays of 20-plus yards (51)
• 15th in scoring offense (37.5 points per game)

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