December 9, 2009
NationalChamps.net releases 3rd annual Underdog Award
GIVEN TO THE NATION'S BEST MID-MAJOR PLAYER

Kellen Moore Wins NationalChamps.net’s 2009 UNDERDOG AWARD

BALTIMORE, Md. -- 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 our third 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 automatic-bid BCS conferences, our commitment to finding overall excellence in college football at all levels remains at the forefront of our efforts. Started in 2007, the UNDERDOG AWARD is the only post-season award dedicated exclusively to these exceptional Mid-Major student-athletes.

NationalChamps.net initially chose 55 players for the 2009 UNDERDOG AWARD Preseason Watch List, which was primarily based upon those players’ 2008 performances. The 13 Semi-Finalists were revealed two weeks ago. We readily recognized all of our candidates and their achievements, which exemplify the UNDERDOG AWARD’s integrity and aim.

Our 2009 UNDERDOG AWARD Finalists were determined last week. An exclusive group, these four finalists represent how high the bar of Mid-Major talent has been set and show the immense need for an award like this.

The 2009 UNDERDOG AWARD Finalists (announced December 1, 2009):

QB Case Keenum – Jr. - Houston

QB Kellen Moore – So. – Boise State

RB Ryan Mathews – Jr. - Fresno State

WR Freddie Barnes – Jr. – Bowling Green

But, there can be only one winner. After evaluating the numbers and all of the other tangibles and intangibles, our panel of voters has made a decision. NationalChamps.net is pleased to name Kellen Moore of Boise State as the winner of the 2009 UNDERDOG AWARD.

It is tough to say more about Kellen than we do by stating these three simple facts – sophomore Kellen Moore is the leading passer (efficiency) in the nation, he leads the most potent scoring offense in the entire FBS, and his team has won every game they’ve played this season. Also undefeated as a starter in the 2008 regular season, Moore is set to surpass nearly every single-season and career record at a school where great quarterbacks have made their mark for the winningest FBS program of this current decade (111-17, and the Bronco’s 86.7% winning percentage is also tops). Over-achieving since Day 1, Moore was the first Boise State freshman to ever start a season opener. Still an underclassman but with leadership skills few graduating seniors ever acquire, Moore currently leads the country with the highest percentage of touchdown passes (9.95%) as well as having both the lowest interception rate (for QBs with more than 200 pass attempts; .77% INTs in 392 attempts) and the least amount of sacks (6). Kellen has a chance in the Fiesta Bowl rematch with undefeated No.4 TCU (lost 17-16 to the Horned Frogs in last year’s Poinsettia Bowl) to make up for the only loss he has ever experienced at this level (25-1 record as a starter). Moreover, Moore has returned his No.6 Broncos to a BCS Bowl for only the school’s second time. Moore is setting a legacy in motion that will resonate his gridiron success in the Northwest for decades.

From Prosser, Washington, Kellen Moore is the 2009 UNDERDOG AWARD winner, and he reflects a competitive spirit as “true blue” as the turf upon which he plays.

PRESEASON WATCH LIST (released April 15, 2009)
SEMIFINALISTS (released November 23, 2009)
FINALISTS (released December 1, 2009)