Saturday Blitz 2014 College Football Awards: Marcus Mariota, Scooby Wright Lead the Pack

Sep 27, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) warms up before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Texas won the game 23-0. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Most Outstanding Interior Lineman: Malcom Brown, Defensive Tackle, Texas Longhorns- 64 Total Tackles, 14 Tackles for a Loss, 6.5 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery

Awards: Outland Trophy

Although Charlie Strong’s Texas Longhorns were mediocre as a team throughout much of the year, that was due to the offense. The defense too often carried this team, and lots of that is thanks to Malcom Brown. As a defensive tackle, Brown still managed 64 tackles and 6.5 sacks and carried the dominant Texas defense to overcome a bad offense.

Once that bad offense became decent at the end of the year, the defense still remained great. And that is a result of Brown and what he did for the unit, so he’s clearly the best lineman in the country.

Other Finalists:

Reese Dismukes, Center, Auburn Tigers

Dismukes has a case to be the Outland Trophy winner, but once again, the bad snaps come into play. That’s why he didn’t win it.

Brandon Scherff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa Hawkeyes

Brandon Scherff was the best lineman on an Iowa offensive line that was barely in the Top 50 in fewest sacks allowed and didn’t have a dominant rushing attack. He was great, but not great enough to carry the unit.

Next: Most Outstanding Defensive End