Roger Rosengarten opens up on winning Joe Moore Award, defending it against Michigan

Washington won the Joe Moore Award this season, an honor annually presented to the best offensive line in college football. Michigan trailed closely behind. On Monday, the Huskies will aim to prove they deserve the trophy.

“I don’t blame [Michigan] for wanting the trophy. I think every offensive lineman in the country wants the trophy,” Washington offensive lineman Roger Rosengarten told On3’s Andy Staples. “We just let our film do the talking this year and we continue to do that.”

Washington passed more than the eye test. The Huskies’ front five has allowed fifth-least sacks in the nation this season. In 14 games, Washington has only allowed 11 sacks, averaging out to less than a sack a game.

The Huskies’ offensive line can do more than protect quarterback Michael Penix Jr. In the team’s last five games, which included four against ranked opponents, Washington averaged 162.0 rushing yards per game. Among the teams UW beat in that five-game run were Utah (No. 4 in the nation in rushing defense), Oregon (No. 11), and Oregon State (No. 15).

The Joe Moore Award fits the bill

As enormous as the achievement is, the trophy is even bigger. Standing at 7 feet and weighing in at over 800 pounds. The monumental trophy is made available for display by the winning university until the conclusion of the following college football season. 

Rosengarten couldn’t be prouder to host the coveted award for the next year.

“I knew it was a big trophy. It’s the biggest one in college football,” Rosengarten said. “But to see it to be the biggest one like in person is insane. Like, I’ve never seen a trophy that big. It was crazy.

“It’s a group award and for all of us to be so invested in that. I know like a week prior, we were talking. We were like, ‘Man, any word on the Joe Moore?’ Like, we were just wondering. We know we played a good season, but your film does your talking for you.”

Washington’s offensive line has its work cut out for it on Monday. Michigan only allows 93.1 rushing yards per game, the eighth-least in the country. Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer knows how vital the ground game will be.

“The running game is critical, not just to Michigan is trying to do but what we are, as well,” DeBoer said. “To be able to offset anything as far as them attacking Michael [Penix Jr.] and just keeping away from being in a one-dimensional type of spot, where it’s obvious pass downs all the time.”

Michigan and Washington will square off 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.