TicketsDec. 1, 2009
CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati quarterback Tony Pike was named one of 10 finalists for the Manning Award, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
"It's exciting, and a great honor to be mentioned with the other quarterbacks on the list," Pike said. "The credit goes to our entire team though. The receivers, running backs, and offensive line are all part of our success as a team. We need to finish out the season strong."
The finalists for the award are: Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame, Andy Dalton, TCU, Max Hall, BYU, Case Keenum, Houston, Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan, Ryan Mallett, Arkansas, Colt McCoy, Texas, Kellen Moore, Boise State, Pike, and Tim Tebow, Florida.
This year's finalists are an outstanding class which includes five players from undefeated teams and a combined 102 victories with over 30,000 passing yards and 275 touchdowns. As far as national statistical leaders, eight of the top 12 in touchdown passes, five of the top 10 in passing yardage and 10 of the top 12 in passing efficiency are included on the list.
Pike returned to the starting lineup for the first time since Oct. 15 and showed no signs of rust as he completed 32 of 46 passes for 399 yards and a school-record six touchdowns in the Bearcats' 49-36 win against Illinois.
Pike threw four touchdown passes as part of a 35-point first half that effectively put the game out of reach. Despite missing three games due to injury this season, Pike has thrown for 2,048 yards and 23 touchdowns against just three interceptions.
"It has been another entertaining year to watch great quarterbacks in college football," Archie Manning said. "There have been outstanding performances by so many different players, but we are very excited with this list of 10 quarterbacks which we think represent the best that college football has to offer. We will be very excited to follow these 10 young men through the bowl season and then decide which one is the best in the nation."
The winner will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 14 and will be honored at a banquet in New Orleans. The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that takes into consideration the candidates' bowl performances.