TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Although he wanted to defeat Auburn on last week and have this year’s Alabama team positioned for the Southeastern Conference Championship Game, sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts did receive good news via the Allstate Sugar Bowl committee.
News was reported on Thursday that the native Texan is one of 11 signal-callers chosen as a finalist for the Manning Award, which was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. The Manning honor is the lone award that takes into considering the bowl performances of quarterbacks in its balloting of votes.
This season, Hurts has completed 60.8 percent of his throws (135 of 222) for 1,940 yards with 15 touchdowns to one interception. He has accounted for 768 yards rushing and eight scores on 137 carries through 12 regular season games.
His 59 touchdowns responsible for in two seasons moves him to second all-time in scores responsible for, behind former Tide quarterback AJ McCarron (80).
Behind Hurts, Alabama’s offense is second in the SEC in scoring (39.1 ppg) while ranking third in the conference in both total offense (465 ypg) and first downs with 275.
Joining Hurts as finalists for the Manning Award are J.T. Barrett of Ohio State, Kelly Bryant of Clemson, Sam Darnold of Southern California, Lamar Jackson of Louisville, Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma, Trace McSorley of Penn State, Mason Rudolph of Oklahoma State, Jarrett Stidham of Auburn, Khalil Tate of Arizona and McKenzie Milton of Central Florida.
Since its origination in 2004, four SEC quarterbacks have won the Manning Award.
While JaMarcus Russell (LSU) won it in 2006, Tim Tebow (Florida) took it 2008, Cam Newton (Auburn) won in 2010 and Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M) was the recipient in 2012.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
