Harrell, McCoy finalists for two awards

Nov 24, 2008 - 9:39 PM LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (Ticker) -- Texas Tech's Graham Harrell and Texas' Colt McCoy, who squared off in one of the most memorable games of the college football season, were named Monday as finalists for two of the sport's most prestigious awards.

Harrell and McCoy were listed as finalists for both the Maxwell Award, given to the nation's best all-around player, and the Davey O'Brien Award, given to the top quarterback.

Harrell and McCoy were sensational on the national stage when Texas Tech rallied past then-No. 1 Texas, 39-33, on September 1.

After McCoy engineered the Longhorns' go-ahead drive late in the fourth quarter, Harrell answered with a game-winning touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree with one second left, lifting the Red Raiders to the signature victory of this season.

Harrell, a senior, leads the nation in passing yards with 4,438 and also has thrown 39 touchdowns.

McCoy also has produced eye-popping numbers, passing for 3,134 yards and 30 TDs while rushing for 527 yards and eight scores.

Joining Harrell and Crabtree on the list of Maxwell finalists was Florida's Tim Tebow, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.

Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, who sparked the Sooners' 65-21 rout of Texas Tech on Saturday, was the other Davey O'Brien finalist.

The finalists for the other seven major awards also were released Monday. The winners will be announced on December 11.

The finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the best receiver, are Crabtree, who won the honor last year, Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant and Missouri's Jeremy Maclin.

Georgia's Knowshon Moreno, Michigan State's Javon Ringer and Iowa's Shonn Greene are the finalists for the Doak Walker Award, given to the best running back.

Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis, Southern California linebacker Rey Maualuga and Penn State defensive end Aaron Maybin will contend for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the best defensive player.

The finalists for the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman) are three offensive linemen - Alabama's Andre Smith, Mississippi's Michael Oher and Oklahoma's Duke Robinson.

Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, USC safety Taylor Mays and Tennessee cornerback Eric Berry are the finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back).

The Lou Groza Award (best kicker) finalists are Utah's Louie Sakoda, Florida State's Graham Gano and Arkansas State's Josh Arauco.

Sakoda also is a finalist for the Ray Guy Award (best punter), along with Oklahoma State's Matt Fodge and West Virginia's Pat McAfee.