Mac Jones has everything in order for a huge awards season.
He is a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and on Thursday, the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced the redshirt junior as one of 12 finalists for the Manning Award. Named for the accomplished of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning, the award is presented to the best quarterback in college football and it is judged by the Sugar Bowl Committee.
Finalist ➕ Manning Award
@MacJones_10
#BamaFactor #RollTide pic.twitter.com/OGEAOPULUn— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 17, 2020
Jones, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., has Alabama undefeated (10-0) and averaging 49.5 points per game.
With him, the Crimson Tide has scored 40 points in nine straight games — including a pair of 60-point outcomes versus Mississippi (63) and Kentucky (63). He leads the nation in seven different passing categories and his high marks are total quarterback rating (96), completion percentage (76.4) and pass efficiency rating (203.9). Jones is the fifth 3,000-yard quarterback of Nick Saban era and his 3,321 yards are ranked fourth in the NCAA among players at his position.
RELATED: Butch Jones gives emotional tribute to Nick Saban, Mrs. Terry Saban and Alabama football family
His 332.1 yards per game is good for fifth in the nation, while Jones totaled 13 touchdowns, 1,154 yards and a 232.75 passer rating against ranked opponents (Texas A&M, Georgia, Auburn). Jones has three 400-yard passing games, which ties him for the most by any signal caller at Alabama. He is also tied for second in SEC history for single-season 400-yard passing games (three).
The 6-foot-3, 214-pounder is the leader in this year’s Heisman Trophy race.
He has an opportunity to punch in his name as the winner, especially if he dominates Florida in the SEC Championship Game.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
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 @CoachingMSmith.
