In an effort to bring media attention to those players from smaller schools that are too often overlooked for the HEISMAN and other major awards, NationalChamps.net presents the annual UNDERDOG AWARD to recognize the best FBS Mid-Major player in the nation. In evaluating the rich talent found throughout the 54 schools not aligned in BCS conferences, our commitment to finding overall excellence in college football remains at the forefront of our efforts.

The players listed below have excelled and further stand out from the many great mid-major players found throughout the college football landscape. NationalChamps.net initially chose 28 for the 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD Preseason Watch List, which was primarily based upon those players’ 2007 performances. Our 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD In-Season Watch List, released a few weeks ago, presented 25 players worthy of recognition due to their superior numbers this season. Now, we present the 14 players who are our 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD Semi-Finalists. These candidates have separated themselves from the others on the In-Season Watch List and stand out as the cream of the mid-major crop.

The standout position appears to be at quarterback. Of those six exceptional hurlers chosen, three are from the Conference USA’s West division. Houston’s Case Keenum ranks fourth in the nation with 38 TDs so far, and he is one of only two underclassmen on the 2008 UNDEDOG AWARD Semi-Finalist List. Rice senior Chase Clement has thrown for at least five TDs four times (threw six twice) and his 46 total TDs (36 passing, 10 rushing) are the most for any of the 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD Semi-Finalists. Tulsa’s David Johnson merely leads the FBS in pass efficiency (195.7), TD percentage (13.33) and yards per attempt (11.19). The Cougars, Owls and Golden Hurricane all sit tied at 6-1 in conference play atop their respective league half.

Undefeated Ball State has been riding Nate Davis’s consistent arm and solid leadership skills to its current No.15 BCS ranking and the only undefeated season (so far) in school history. Junior Tim Hiller has the nation’s fourth-lowest interception rate (1.34%); Western Michigan challenges Davis’s Cardinals for the MAC West division lead. The winner of their battle this week will likely play for the conference title. The final QB, BYU junior Max Hall, represents what is arguably the top mid-major league, the Mountain West. Hall is the top-rated passer from a conference with three teams perennially in this season’s top 25 BCS rankings.

Tied for third in the country with 17 rushing TDs, Tyrell Fenroy’s 6.4 yards per carry are also enough to put this Ragin’ Cajun atop of those respective categories for our three RB candidates. Also with 17 ground scores, Ball State’s MiQuale Lewis has jumped many other runners in the past few weeks to currently sit fourth in the FBS for rushing (131.82 yards per game). Lewis’s ability to gain yards after any initial contact is just as vital to the Cardinal’s perfect 2008 campaign. Southern Mississippi’s Damion Fletcher has the most receptions of our three RB semi-finalists; he is also the only back to represent an offense that has averaged over 200 yards per game in both rushing and passing.

Amongst the snarlers, BYU’s Austin Collie currently leads the nation in receiving yards (1,419), is second in total catches (95) and is fourth in TD grabs (15). Rice’s Jarett Dillard is tops in FBS receiving TDs (19), is fifth in yards (1,181), and leads the nation’s top 25 wide receivers (catches per game) in yards per reception (15.75). Like Dillard, Antonio Brown currently has 75 catches; it is this Chippie’s second-ranking in punt returns that makes him uniquely stand out, as does his sophomore status.

Central Florida senior “slash” player Joe Burnett (DB/PR/KR) is a two-time All-American for NationalChamps.net (2006 & ’08) and currently ranks in the top 10 in both special team return categories. Still, it is TCU end Jerry Hughes’ junior season that may offer the most impressive stat line - two interceptions (one returned for a score), 48 total tackles and 18.5 tackles-for-loss, which include 14 sacks to lead the nation. Also, his six forced fumbles have Hughes tied for that national lead. Hughes is the biggest reason the Horned Frogs lead the nation in rushing defense (48.7) yards per game allowed), average per rush attempt allowed (1.74), first downs allowed (11.83 per game), total defense (215 yards per game) and total red zone scores allowed (12), and is why TCU is second in scoring defense (10.9 points per game) as well as fifth in third-down conversion allowed (28.7%).

The finalists will be presented Tuesday December 2, and we will name the winner of the 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD after Championship Weekend on Wednesday December 10, 2008.

IN-SEASON WATCH LIST (released November 4, 2008)

Semi-finalists: Monday, Nov. 24, 2008
Finalists: Tuesday, Dec.2, 2008
Winner: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008

NationalChamps.net 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD SEMI-FINALISTS