CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois offensive line was named to the Joe Moore Award semifinalists list for the first time in the award's history, the award's committee announced Tuesday. The Fighting Illini unit is one of nine honored from around the nation and one of only two units from the Big Ten, along with Michigan.

The offensive line has paved the way for the nation's leading rusher, Chase Brown (1,442 rushing yards). Brown had 100+ rushing yards in the team's first nine games this season, becoming the first Big Ten back to do so since Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott in 2015.

The Illinois O-line has been one of the toughest and most dependable in the nation to date. The line's five core starters have made 49 of 50 starts. Senior RT Alex Palczewski is the most veteran of the group with a Big Ten record 62 career starts, which also ranks second in NCAA history.

Illinois is back in action Saturday against #3 Michigan in Ann Arbor. The game kicks off at 11 a.m. CT on ABC.