TicketsDec. 3, 2009
University of Cincinnati quarterbacks coach Greg Forest was named one of four finalists for the FootballScoop.com Quarterback Coach of the Year Award.
Fans can cast votes online for Coach Forest at FootballScoop.com. Click HERE to vote.
Forest, in his third year at UC, has helped guide the University of Cincinnati to a school-record 11-0 start and the No. 5 ranking in the country. UC has clinched a share of its second-straight BIG EAST Championship and is still in the BCS National Championship Game picture.
UC leads the nation in passing efficiency (171.9), despite losing starting quarterback and one-time Heisman Trophy candidate Tony Pike for four games due to an arm injury. The Bearcats lead the BIG EAST and rank fourth nationally in total offense, averaging 473 yards per game. UC also leads the league in passing offense (322.0), and scoring offense (39.4).
Pike returned last weekend against Illinois and three for 399 yards and a school-record six touchdowns. Wideout Mardy Gilyard became the first UC player to record 1,000-or more receiving yards in two-straight seasons.
During Pike's absence, Zach Collaros led UC to a 4-0 record, going 83-of-106 (78.3%) for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. During that span he had a QB rating of 199.03 and threw one interception. He also rushed for 193 yards and two touchdowns.
FootballScoop.com will recognize 15 different position coaches in College Football.
"The FootballScoop set of awards is unique from other `Coach of the Year' awards in that there is no other outlet that focuses on position coaches and coordinators; whereas nearly every other `Coach of the Year' award is solely for a head coach. Additionally, to be considered for our awards, a coach has to have been nominated by one of his peers," said Scott Roussel, President of FootballScoop.
Roussel added, "Over the past few years Muscle Milk has become one of the most recognized names in sports nutrition, we're very proud to have them once again serve as the exclusive sponsor of these awards."
Voting will take place through Sunday, December 13. Winners will be announced beginning December 14. A panel of current and former coaches along with past recipients of the awards will evaluate the finalists and will select the winners. Votes will be considered; however, the Panel has final decision over the awards.