When you run for 277 yards per game and are the fourth-best rushing attack in the nation, it figures the center will stand to garner some postseason awards. Max Unger, the 50-consecutive game starter for the Ducks at center and tackle, has been named one of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy, given to the top center in college football.
Started in 2000, the award has never had an Oregon player as a finalist. The award will be given on Jan. 17 in Lincoln, Neb. The 6-5, 300-pound standout is joined by Alabama’s Antoine Caldwell, Arkansas’ 2007 Rimington Award winner Jonathan Luigs, California’s Alex Mack, Penn State’s A.Q. Shipley, and Louisville’s Eric Wood.
From the press release:
“The four-year starter was one of the keys to success for an Oregon offense that ranks fourth in the country in rushing (277.9-yard avg.), seventh in scoring (41.9 avg.) and eighth in total offense (478.2 avg.). The team captain and three-time Ed Moshofsky Award recipient as the Ducks’ most outstanding offensive lineman did not allow a quarterback sack in 928 snaps this season, as well as put defenders on their backs 74 times.
Oregon leads the country in rushing touchdowns (42), in addition to concluding the regular season setting school records for rushing yards (3,334) and points scored (503) for the second time in as many years.”
