NFL Power Poll – Week 14

Rams Clinch NFC West
Chiefs Host Ravens In Key AFC Matchup

Team of the Week –
Chargers edge Steelers, 33-30

Upset of the Week
Dallas beats New Orleans, 13-10
 
Players of the Week
  Offense – RB Todd Gurley – Rams     
  Defense – LB DeMarcus Lawrence – Cowboys
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – RB Phillip Lindsay – Broncos
    Defense – DL B.J. Hill – Giants

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Game of Week #13 – Philadelphia Eagles (6-6) at Dallas Cowboys (7-5)  
Cowboys Look to Claim Commanding NFC East Leadership

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 14

NFL Ranking /Record /Team
#1 -11-1 Rams
Rams’ drill Lions to win NFC West title.

#2 – 10-2 Chiefs
Chiefs’ pounded West rival the Raiders.

#3 – 10-2 Saints
Saints’ are rested after being shocked by the Cowboys on Thursday night.

#4 – 9-3 Patriots
Pats are ready to clinch AFC East on their trip to Miami.

#5 – 9-3 Texans
Texans’ on a nine game winning streak. Huge South matchup hosting Colts on Sunday.

#6 – 9-3 Chargers
Chargers looking to hit double digit victories for the first time since the 2013 season.

#7 – 8-4 Bears
The Bears were whipped by the GMen in last one.

#8 – 7-4-1 Steelers
Steelers’ let the Charger game get away from them. Only a half a game lead entering the final month.

#9 – 7-5 Seahawks
Seahawks are hot and host the Vikings Monday night that has major playoff ramifications.

#10 – 7-5 Ravens
Ravens drilled the Falcons. Go to Kansas City in huge test for any playoff hopes.

#11 – 7-5 Cowboys
The Cowboys are hitting stride with huge win over the Saints. Host the Eagles for East leadership in balance.

#12 – 6-5-1 Vikings
Vikings sliding with loss to the Patriots. Travel to Seattle in critical NFC matchup.

#13 – 6-6 Eagles
Eagles trashed the Skins Monday night. Travel to Big D in major East matchup.

#14- 6-6 Broncos
Broncos have won three straight coming off their bye week. Travel to San Fran looking to take another step for the postseason.

#15 – 6-6 Titans
The Titans edged out the Jets. Host the Jaguars Thursday night in key South matchup.

#16 – 6-6 Colts
Colts failed to protect Andrew Luck vs the Jaguars and were shutout to end their five game winning streak.

#17 – 6-6 Panthers
Panthers lost their fourth straight game behind Cam Newton’s four interceptions.

#18 – 6-6 Dolphins
Dolphins host the Patriots in a key matchup for any playoff hopes.

#19 – 6-6 Redskins
The Redskins lose QB Colt McCoy after Alex Smith injury. Face the Giants in a must win situation behind Mark Sanchez.

#20 – 4-8 Giants
The Giants played well vs the Bears. Must beat the Skins for any playoff mathematical chances.

#21 – 4-7-1 Packers
The Packers fired HC Mike McCarthy after a horrible home loss to the Cardinals.

#22 – 4-8 Falcons
Falcons were wacked by the Ravens. Go to Green Bay with loser out for the postseason.

#23 – 5-7 Bengals
Bengals’ are playing out the string with QB Andy Dalton on IR for the year.

#24 – 4-7-1 Browns
Browns ran into the Texans buzzsaw in last one. Host the fading Panthers this Sunday.

#25 – 4-8 Lions
Lackluster Lions travel to the desert for matchup with the equally disappointing Cardinals.

#26 – 4-8 Jaguars
Jaguars’ ended their seven game losing stretch with an impressive shutout of the Colts.

#27 – 5-7 Bucs
Bucs are playing fairly well. Host the Saints that will test any real improvement.

#28 – 4-8 Bills
Bills hosting the Jets in the East basement bowl.

#29 – 3-9 Jets
Jets’ hoping rookie QB Sam Darnold is healthy for the final month. Six game losing streak reflects marginal talent.

#30 – 3-9 Cardinals
Cardinals beat the Packers in Titletown. Host the Lions in another winnable contest.

#31 – 2-10 49ers
The 49ers were whipped by the Seahawks in last one. Host the tough Broncos this Sunday.

#32 – 2-10 Raiders
The Raiders were edged by the Chiefs. Host the Steelers this Sunday.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 20 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

NFL Draft 2019 – First Round Draft Selection Order

With four games remaining in the 2018 season, the first round order for the NFL Draft 2019 is shaping the selection process. Currently, as many as 28 clubs still have mathematical chances to earn playoff spots. This weekend will probably eliminate another 5-6 clubs from any postseason play.

San Francisco and Oakland remain at the #1 and #2 spots with their 2-10 records. The 49ers earn the first overall selection currently on a weaker strength of opponents Won Loss record. The Jets and Cardinals hold the #3 and #4 overall choices on the merit of their poor 3-9 records. There is a logjam with five clubs at 4-8 and another two teams with a 4-7-1 records.

This weekend features a few key matchups, Jets vs Bills, Falcons vs Packers, Lions vs Cardinals that can change the top 10-12 selection spots significantly.

# Team / W-L / Opponents W-L %

1 San Francisco –  2-10    .526
2 Oakland       –  2-10      .568
3 NY Jets        –  3-9        .503
4 Arizona        –  3-9        .521
5 Detroit         –  4-8        .500
6 Atlanta         –  4-8        .503
7 NY Giants    –  4-8        .510
8 Buffalo        –  4-8        .521
9 Jacksonville –  4-8        .544
10 Green Bay   – 4-7-1     .479
11 Cleveland   –  4-7-1     .536
12 Tampa Bay – 5-7        .505
13 Cincinnati   –  5-7        .531
14 Miami         –  6-6        .453
15 Indianapolis  – 6-6        .469
16 Washington  – 6-6        .477
17 Carolina     –  6-6        .500
18 Tennessee  –  6-6        .516
19 Denver       –  6-6        .526
20 Philadelphia – 6-6        .529
21 Minnesota  –  6-5-1     .490
22 Oakland (Dallas)  –     7-5        .484
23 Seattle      –   7-5        .495
24 Baltimore  –   7-5        .500
25 Pittsburgh  –  7-4-1     .510
26 Oakland (Chicago)  –  8-4        .438
27 Houston     –  9-3        .456
28 New England  –          9-3        .477
29 LA Chargers – 9-3        .478
30 Green Bay (New Orleans)  –    10-2      .492
31 Kansas City  – 10-2      .490
32 LA Rams     – 11-1      .469

Kentucky’s Josh Allen Wins 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy

Linebacker is Wildcat’s first major award winner since 1950

FWAA – Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen was named the recipient of the 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Monday night before a sold-out banquet crowd of 1,200 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Allen, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound linebacker from Montclair, N.J., accepted the award given to the best defensive player in college football and becomes Kentucky’s first major award winner since Bob Gain won the Outland Trophy in 1950.

The FWAA All-America Committee made Allen the selection as this year’s Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner. Allen was selected from a list of finalists that included Michigan linebacker Devin Bush, LSU safety Grant Delpit, Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and Alabama nose guard Quinnen Williams.

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards.

Frank Coyle voted for LB Josh Allen of Kentucky this year.

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The senior has been one of the nation’s top pass rushers all season with 14 sacks in the 2018 season that led the Southeastern Conference and are third in the nation, to go with SEC-best marks of 18.5 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. His 14 sacks are the single-season record at Kentucky, as are his 28.5 career sacks heading into the Wildcats’ VRBO Citrus Bowl appearance on Jan. 1.

Allen has 11 career forced fumbles, which ties former Wildcat and current Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan for the Wildcats’ career mark. His defensive numbers improved as the games wore on – 12 of his 14 sacks have come in the second half, with eight of those 12 in the fourth quarter. He clinched two of Kentucky’s nine wins this season with a sack that caused a fumble that the Wildcats recovered on their opponents’ final possession. In addition, those 14 sacks have been drive-breakers for opponents. Of the 14 drives in which Allen registered a sack, opponents ran 81 plays for just 211 yards of total offense, or 2.6 yards per play. The 14 drives combined resulted in no points, eight punts and four turnovers.

Allen was the SEC Defensive Player of the Week four times this season and posted double-figure tackles in three games. On the season, Allen has 84 total tackles, six quarterback hurries, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.

“Just the way he impacts the game being a big guy, he’s really remarkable,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops said following a Nov. 17 win over Middle Tennessee. “He’s so unselfish. You see players so often in situations like that (trying to make a play), and he won’t blink an eye if we’re not rushing him. He doesn’t even think about it. When he gets his opportunities, he’s going to go. He wanted the (school sack) record, but not at the expense of our defense and what we’re doing and game planning.”

Allen was an all-state wide receiver for Abbeville (Ala.) High School as a junior before moving back to his hometown of Montclair, N.J., and switching to linebacker for his senior season. He bulked up by 40 pounds upon arriving at Kentucky. He has a fraternal twin brother Isaiah, and a sister, Myisha Hines-Allen, who played college basketball at Louisville and is currently a forward for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA joined with the Charlotte Touchdown Club and named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 24 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about our story.

The Football Writers Association of America, founded in 1941, consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for over 25 years.

Draft Insiders’ and Coaches Top 25 Teams – Championship Week

Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, Washington & Ohio St Win    Conference Titles
Notre Dame Joins Bama, Clemson and Oklahoma In National Title Semi-Finals

Players of Week
Offense – QB Jalen Hurts – Alabama
Defense – DT Dexter Lawrence – Clemson

Team of the Week – Alabama beats Georgia, 35-28
Upset of the Week – Fresno St beats Boise St – 19-16

Game of Final Regular Week
Army (9-2) vs Navy (3-9) – December 8th – Philadelphia, Pa.

 
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Top 25 Teams
Draft Insiders’

Rank/ Team/ Record
1 Alabama – 13-0
2 Clemson – 13-0
3 Notre Dame – 12-0
4 Oklahoma – 12-1
5 Ohio St – 12-1
6 UCF – 12-0
7 Georgia – 11-2
8 Michigan – 10-2
9 LSU   – 9-3
10 Washington – 10-3
11 Washington St – 10-2
12 Florida – 9-3
13 Kentucky – 9-3
14 Syracuse – 9-3
15 Penn State – 9-3
16 Texas – 9-4
17 West Virginia – 8-3
18 Utah – 9-4
19 Fresno St – 11-2
20 Mississippi St – 8-4
21 Texas A&M – 8-4
22 Northwestern – 8-5
23 Boise St – 10-3
24 Utah St – 10-2
25 Army – 9-2

Coaches Top 25 Poll

Rank/ Team / Record / Points
1 Alabama (62)  13-0      1598
2 Clemson (2)    13-0      1538
3 Notre Dame    12-0      1460
4 Oklahoma      12-1      1375
5 Ohio State      12-1      1326
6 Georgia          11-2      1316
7 UCF   12-0      1218
8 Michigan        10-2      1122
9 Washington    10-3      1046
10 Florida         9-3        976
11 LSU 9-3        899
12 Penn State   9-3        889
13 Washington State     10-2      856
14 Texas           9-4        776
15 Kentucky      9-3        696
16 West Virginia            8-3        683
17 Syracuse      9-3        505
18 Mississippi State      8-4        501
19 Utah 9-4        411
20 Texas A&M  8-4        388
21 Fresno State 11-2      357
22 Northwestern            8-5        159
23 Utah State    10-2      125
24 Boise State  10-3      122
25 Army            9-2        114

Others receiving votes: Iowa State 87, NC State 63, Cincinnati 62, Missouri 61, Appalachian State 32, Iowa 19, Stanford 9, Oregon 5, UAB 4, Buffalo 1, Georgia Southern 1

 Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff  and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.

Walter Payton FCS Award Finalists

The list of finalists for the 2018 STATS FCS Walter Payton Award was released recently. STATS named 25 finalists for this prestigious award. The annual Walter Payton Award is given to the Offensive Player of the Year in the FCS. A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will select the winner following the regular season.

The Payton Award, first presented in 1987, has watched past winners such as Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, John Friesz, Brian Finneran, Jimmy Garoppolo and Cooper Kupp move on to the NFL.

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The bust was named in honor of the late National Football League (NFL) legend Walter Payton, who starred at Jackson State University in the early 1970s.

Among the many schools in the division, only nine have claimed more than one award, and only seven have had more than one player win the award. Eastern Washington and Villanova had three players win the award, and five have had two players win: Colgate, Georgia Southern, Idaho, New Hampshire, and Eastern Illinois. Two players have won the award twice, with both being the only players from their institutions to win. In 2009, Armanti Edwards from Appalachian St became the first to receive the award twice, followed in 2017 by Jeremiah Briscoe from Sam Houston St.

Both the Walter Payton award and the FCS’ top defensive player, the Buck Buchanan Award will be honored at the STATS FCS Awards Banquet, which is held in Frisco, Texas, on the night before the FCS National Championship Game.

Walter Payton Award Finalists
FCS Offensive Player of the Year

Tyrie Adams, QB, Jr. – Western Carolina
Michael Bandy, WR, Jr. – San Diego
Chandler Burks, QB, Sr. – Kennesaw State
Taryn Christion, QB, Sr. – South Dakota State
Ra’Quanne Dickens, RB, Sr. – Incarnate Word
Keelan Doss, WR, Sr. – UC Davis
Tom Flacco, QB, Jr. – Towson
Ryan Fulse, RB, Sr. – Wagner
A.J. Hines, RB, Jr. – Duquesne
Devlin Hodges, QB, Sr. – Samford
James Holland Jr., RB, Sr. – Colgate
Alexander Hollins, WR, Sr. – Eastern Illinois
Noah Johnson, QB, Jr. – Alcorn State
Anthony Lawrence, QB, Sr. – San Diego
John Lovett, QB, Sr. – Princeton
Jake Maier, QB, Jr. – UC Davis
Kelvin McKnight, WR, Sr. – Samford
Caylin Newton, QB, So. – Howard
Donald Parham, TE, Sr. – Stetson
Joh Pearson, WR, Jr. – Jacksonville State
Joe Protheroe, FB, Sr. – Cal Poly
James Robinson, RB, Jr. – Illinois State
Easton Stick, QB, Sr. – North Dakota State
Marquis Terry, RB, Sr. – Southeast Missouri
Reggie White Jr., WR, Sr. – Monmouth

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Maxwell Award, Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for over 25 years.

Draft Insiders’ and Coaches Top 25 Teams – Week Thirteen

Top Three – Bama, Clemson & Notre Dame Remain Unbeaten
Georgia Joins Top Four Entering SEC Title Game

Players of Week
Offense – QB Dwayne Haskins – Ohio St
Defense – DT Jerry Tillery – Notre Dame

Team of the Week – Ohio St. beats Michigan, 62-39
Upset of the Week – Texas A&M beats LSU – 74-72 in a college record 7 Overtimes
         Highest scoring game in College history

Games of  Week Thirteen – Dec. 1st
Alabama (12-0) vs Georgia (11-1) – SEC Championship
Oklahoma (11-1) vs Texas (9-3) – Big 12 Championship

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Top 25 Teams – Week Thirteen
Draft Insiders’

Rank/ Team/ Record
1 Alabama – 12-0
2 Clemson – 12-0
3 Notre Dame – 12-0
4 Georgia – 11-1
5 Oklahoma – 11-1
6 Ohio St – 11-1
7 UCF – 11-0
8 Michigan – 10-2
9 Washington St – 10-2
10 LSU – 9-3
11 Kentucky – 9-3
12 Texas – 9-3
13 Washington – 9-3
14 Florida – 9-3
15 Syracuse – 9-3
16 Penn State – 9-3
17 West Virginia – 8-3
18 Utah – 9-3
19 Boise St – 10-2
20 Fresno St – 10-2
21 Northwestern – 8-4
22 Mississippi St – 8-4
23 Texas A&M – 8-4
24 Utah St – 10-2
25 Army – 9-2

Coaches Top 25 Poll

Rank/ Team / Record / Points
1 Alabama (63)  12-0      1599
2 Clemson (1)    12-0      1536
3 Notre Dame    12-0      1469
4 Georgia          11-1      1398
5 Oklahoma      11-1      1324
6 Ohio State      11-1      1292
7 UCF   11-0      1200
8 Michigan        10-2      1041
9 Texas            9-3        939
10 Florida         9-3        937
11 Washington  9-3        921
12 Penn State   9-3        889
13 Washington State     10-2      829
14 LSU 9-3        821
15 Kentucky      9-3        634
16 West Virginia            8-3        621
17 Utah 9-3       610
18 Syracuse      9-3        499
19 Mississippi State      8-4        460
20 Boise State  10-2      375
21 Northwestern            8-4        363
22 Texas A&M  8-4        295
23 Fresno State 10-2      157
24 Utah State    10-2      130
25 Army            9-2        119

Dropped from rankings: Pittsburgh 25

Others receiving votes: Iowa State 103, Cincinnati 82, NC State 55, Missouri 33, Iowa 20, Appalachian State 14, Pittsburgh 13, Memphis 6, UAB 4, Stanford 3, Buffalo 3, Oregon 3, California 1, Wisconsin 1, Georgia Southern 1

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy,  Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff  and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.

NFL Power Poll – Week 12

Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

NFL Power Poll – Rams Beat Chiefs In Wild Monday Night Shootout
Goff and Mahomes Excel in Classic Matchup

Team of the Week –
    Rams edge Chiefs, 54-51

Upset of the Week
Detroit beats Carolina, 20-19
 
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs     
  Defense – LB Kahlil Mack – Bears

 Rookies of Week
    Offense – RB Saquon Barkley – Giants
    Defense – Safety Justin Reid – Texans

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Game of Week #12 – Washington Redskins (6-4) at Dallas Cowboys (5-5)  
Cowboys Hope to turn Redskins in Turkey Club

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 12

NFL Ranking /Record /Team
#1 -10-1 Rams
Rams’ beat the Chiefs to claim #1 ranking.

#2 – 9-2 Chiefs
Chiefs’ riding hot arm of young Patrick Mahomes.

#3 – 9-1 Saints
Saints’ host the Falcons in key South matchup. Veteran QB Drew Brees continues his MVP season.

#4 – 7-3 Patriots
Pats are rested for their stretch run.

#5 – 7-2-1 Steelers
Steelers’ edged the Jaguars to maintain North leadership.

#6 – 7-3 Texans
Texans’ win their 7^th straight vs the Skins. Host the Titans in key divisional matchup.

#7 – 7-3 Bears
The Bears are coming off big win over the Vikings. Better not sleep on the Lions on Thanksgiving day.

#8 – 7-3 Chargers
Chargers lost tough one to the Broncos. Get the Cardinals at home in vital game.

#9 – 6-4 Panthers
Panthers lost to the Lions. Get Seahawks at home in key NFC matchup with playoff ramifications.

#10 – 5-4-1 Vikings
Vikings sliding with loss to the Bears. Host Packers Sunday night in telltale North contest.

#11 – 5-5 Seahawks
Seahawks edged the Packers. Go to Carolina in effort to get over .500.

#12 – 6-4 Redskins
The Redskins lose QB Alex Smith in defeat to the Texans. Turkey day in Dallas is a major challenge.

#13 – 5-5 Cowboys
The Cowboys are alive again and hope to take the next step with Thanksgiving matchup with Skins.

#14 – 5-5 Titans
The Titans face their most important South matchup with trip to Houston Monday night.

#15 – 4-5-1 Packers
The Packers find ways to lose close games. Trip to Minnesota is a must win situation.

#16 – 5-5 Colts
Colts trashed Titans behind MVP candidate Andrew Luck.

#17 – 5-5 Ravens
Ravens beat Bengals in key situation. Host Da Raiders this week.

#18 – 4-6 Eagles
Eagles were bombed in New Orleans. Host the GMen in a must win situation.

#19 – 4-6 Falcons
Falcons lost a heartbreaker to the Boys. Need a W in New Orleans.

#20 – 5-5 Dolphins
Dolphins face key matchup in Indy for any playoff hopes.

#21 – 5-5 Bengals
Bengals’ host the Browns in must win situation for postseason play.

#22- 4-6 Broncos
Broncos won a tough battle with the Chargers. Host the Steelers in a must win situation Sunday.

#23 – 3-6-1 Browns
Browns rested for tough finish with a few difficult road games on the schedule.

#24 – 4-6 Lions
Lions looking for revenge on the Bears on Turkey day.

#25 – 3-7 Giants
The Giants are looking respectable with a two game winning streak.

#26 – 3-7 Jaguars
Jaguars’ lost their six straight vs the Steelers.

#27 – 3-7 Bucs
Bucs host the 49ers in a game for major draft order implications.

#28 – 3-7 Bills
Bills hope to keep the momentum from their impressive victory for the Jets.

#29 – 3-7 Jets
Jets’ host the Patriots in hope of breaking their 4 game losing streak.

#30 – 2-8 49ers
The 49ers need a win to stay focused for the rest of the schedule.

#31 – 2-8 Cardinals
Cardinals may be the worst team in the league after their loss to the Raiders.

#32 – 2-8 Raiders
Da Raiders edged out the Cards to end their losing streak.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 20 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

The 2018 Maxwell and Chuck Bednarik Award Finalists Announced

Maxwell Football Club President, Mark Dianno, announced the 2018 finalists for the 82nd Maxwell Award for the Collegiate Player of the Year and the 24th Chuck Bednarik Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year

The respective lists include a field of three candidates for each of these awards as determined by the semifinalist voting process which ended Nov. 18

Visit Web Site  www.maxwellfootballclub.org

Finalists listed in alphabetical order by player’s school with position and class designated

2018 Maxwell Award Finalists
Tua Tagovailoa     Alabama            Quarterback     Sophomore
Kyler Murray        Oklahoma          Quarterback     Junior
Will Grier              West Virginia    Quarterback    Senior

2018 Chuck Bednarik Award Finalists
Quinnen Williams     Alabama     Defensive Line     (R) Soph
Christian Wilkins     Clemson      Defensive Line     Senior
Josh Allen                   Kentucky     Linebacker           Senior

Tagovailoa has led the No. 1 ranked Crimson Tide to an 11-0 (7-0 SEC) record and an SEC West division championship this fall. He has authored one of the most prolific seasons by a quarterback in recent history throwing for 2865 yards and 31 touchdowns while only throwing 2 interceptions. He added 4 rushing touchdowns and has a quarterback rating of 212.22. He will lead the Tide against Auburn in the Iron Bowl on Saturday.

Murray has completed 72 percent of his passes, going 213-of-296 for 3,212 yards with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s also rushed for 846 yards and 10 touchdowns while leading the Sooners to a 10-1 record and a No. 6 national ranking. He is arguably the most dangerous dual-threat quarterback in college football this season.

Grier has led the Mountaineers to an 8-2 (6-2 Big XII) record and a No. 12 national ranking. He has passed for 3325 yards and 33 touchdowns and also scored twice on the ground. He will finish his regular season this Friday when Oklahoma visits Morgantown for a Big 12 Conference clash.

Williams has been one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the country this season. He has 6 sacks for 35 yards in losses, 55 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 9 quarterback hurries and 1 pass breakup. He regularly forces offenses to account for him with 2 or 3 blockers and generally wreaks havoc in the middle of the line.

Allen cemented his legacy as one of the all-time great linebackers at Kentucky when he broke the school’s sack record last Saturday. The 6’5 senior has notched 80 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks for minus 84 yards. He also has 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 5 quarterback hurries.

Wilkins has been a fixture on Clemson’s defensive line for the past 3 seasons and is a player who offenses have to account for on every snap. Wilkins has registered 40 tackles (10.5 for loss), 10 quarterback pressures, 3.0 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He spearheads a Clemson defense that ranks among the national leaders in almost every major statistical category.

Last season, the Maxwell Award went to Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Chuck Bednarik Award was presented to Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. Mayfield was the overall No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft and is now the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Fitzpatrick was also a 1st round pick and is a starter in the secondary for the Miami Dolphins.

The winners of the 82nd Maxwell Award and the 24th Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 6, 2018. The formal presentation of these awards will be made at the Maxwell Football Club’s Awards Gala which will be held at the Tropicana Casino Resort in Atlantic City, NJ on Friday March 8, 2019.

Voting for both of the collegiate awards presented by the Maxwell Football Club will begin on Wednesday, November 21st and close on Sunday December 2nd. Eligible voters include Maxwell Football Club members, NCAA Head Football Coaches, Sports Information Directors and selected national media

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Maxwell Award, Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for over 25 years.

Finalists Named For 2018 Outland Trophy
Two Alabama Teammates Finalists by FWAA

FWAA – A pair of Alabama teammates – offensive tackle Jonah Williams and nose guard Quinnen Williams – and Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins were named as the three finalists for the 2018 Outland Trophy by the Football Writers Association of America.

The 2018 Outland Trophy, presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), is awarded annually to the nation’s best college interior lineman on offense or defense. NFID is presenting the trophy to help increase awareness about the importance of annual flu prevention. Getting vaccinated each year is your best line of defense against the flu.

Since the Outland Trophy began naming finalists for the award in 1987, this is just the second time teammates have been finalists. In 1997, Nebraska offensive guard Aaron Taylor and defensive tackle Jason Peter were finalists for the award won by Taylor.

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Alabama has had four Outland Trophy winners since Chris Samuels won the program’s first Outland in 1999, with its most recent winner being Cam Robinson in 2016 along with Barrett Jones (2011) and Andre Smith (2008). The Crimson Tide have had at least one semifinalist in seven of the last eight seasons. Quinnen Williams would be the first defensive player to win the Outland Trophy for Alabama; each of the previous four have been offensive tackles. Wilkins is Clemson’s third finalist in program history but would be the Tigers’ first winner. Clemson’s last finalist was offensive tackle Stacy Long in 1990, and the Tigers also had defensive tackle Michael Dean Perry among the finalists in 1987.

University of Wisconsin All-American Joe Thomas, the 2006 Outland Trophy winner who retired earlier this year after a stellar 11-year career with NFL’s Cleveland Browns, is serving as the Outland Trophy #FightFlu ambassador on behalf of NFID. Thomas has been an avid supporter of annual flu vaccination and is making media appearances on behalf of the #FightFlu public awareness campaign to remind everyone 6 months and older to get an annual flu vaccine.

The recipient of the 73rd Outland Trophy will be announced during ESPN’s The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 6, live from the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee on Jan. 9, 2019.

Three Outland Finalists:

• Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson (6-4, 300, Gr., Springfield, Mass.): A standout player for the unbeaten Tigers, even as part of a defensive line that features four returning All-Americans. Clemson has held opponents without an offensive touchdown in eight consecutive quarters dating to Nov. 3. Wilkins was an FWAA First-Team All-America selection in 2016. He has 12.0 tackles for loss, second on the team, to go with four sacks and 45 tackles (32 solo) for the season. Clemson was No. 1 nationally in tackles for loss in the first two of Wilkins’ three prior seasons in the middle and was No. 6 last year. His 16.0 stops behind the line have resulted in 85 yards of losses. Wilkins will play in his 55th career game Saturday against South Carolina. Wilkins graduated in 2017 with a degree in communications in only two-and-a-half years
• Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama (6-5, 301, Jr., Folsom, Calif.): The left tackle for the unbeaten Crimson Tide continues to pace the nation’s No. 5 but arguably most-feared offense. Williams was the Outland Trophy Offensive Player of the Month for September after grading out above 90 percent for the month. He is the leader of the nation’s third-best offense (541.5 total ypg average) that has topped 500 total yards in 10 of 11 games. The junior has started all 40 games in his career and had perhaps his best game against LSU when Alabama averaged 7.6 yards per rush and gained 576 yards against a then-Top-10 defense and allowed only one sack on a season-high 42 pass attempts. The Crimson Tide are third in the nation in scoring at 48.7 points per game and only yield 0.91 sacks per game, tied for ninth nationally.
• Quinnen Williams, NG, Alabama (6-4, 295, So., Birmingham, Ala.): The upstart sophomore leads unbeaten Alabama with 15.0 tackles for loss for minus-62 yards, second in the SEC, and is tied for 10th in the SEC with 6.0 sacks. Like Jonah Williams, he too posted a career game against LSU tallying career highs in tackles (10) and sacks (2.5) and tying a career high in tackles for loss (3.5). Williams clogs the middle and allows those around him to create havoc – Alabama has had at least 10 tackles for loss in five of 11 games and the Crimson Tide’s 37 sacks are tied for No. 6 nationally. Williams’ 55 tackles include 34 solo stops.

The three finalists were chosen by the FWAA from a field of eight semifinalists that also included, in alphabetical order: North Carolina State center Garrett Bradbury, Wisconsin guard Michael Deiter, Clemson offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt, Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver and Oklahoma guard Ben Powers.

The Outland Trophy is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since. Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.
The Outland Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 24 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about our story.

About the Football Writers Association of America
Founded in 1941, the non-profit Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) consists of more than 1,300 members, including journalists, broadcasters, publicists and key executives in all areas of college football. Led by current President Stefanie Loh of the Seattle Times, longtime Executive Director Steve Richardson, and a board of veteran journalists, the association continues to grow and work to help college football prosper at all levels. Visit footballwriters.com for more information about the FWAA and its award programs.

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for over 25 years.

Draft Insiders’ and Coaches Top 25 Teams – Week Twelve
Top Three Teams – Alabama, Clemson & Irish Stay Undefeated

Players of Week
Offense – QB Taylor Cornelius – Oklahoma St
Defense – LB Devin Bush – Michigan

Team of the Week – Notre Dame beats Syracuse 36-3
Upset of the Week – Oklahoma St beats West Virginia 45-41

Game of Week Twelve
Michigan (10-1) at Ohio St (10-1)

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Top 25 Teams – Week Twelve
Draft Insiders’

Rank/ Team/ Record
1 Alabama – 11-0
2 Clemson – 11-0
3 Notre Dame – 11-0
4 Georgia – 10-1
5 Michigan – 10-1
6 UCF – 10-0
7 Oklahoma – 10-1
8 Washington St – 10-1
9 Ohio St – 10-1
10 LSU – 9-2
11 Utah St – 10-1
12 West Virginia – 8-2
13 Kentucky – 8-3
14 Texas – 8-3
15 Washington – 8-3
16 Florida – 8-3
17 Syracuse – 8-3
18 Penn State – 8-3
19 Utah – 8-3
20 Boise St – 9-2
21 Fresno St – 9-2
22 Northwestern – 7-4
23 Mississippi St – 7-4
24 Pittsburgh – 7-4
25 Army – 9-2

Coaches Top 25 Poll
Rank/ Team / Record / Points

1 Alabama (63)  11-0      1599
2 Clemson (1)    11-0      1535
3 Notre Dame    11-0      1470
4 Michigan        10-1      1387
5 Georgia          10-1      1347
6 Oklahoma      10-1      1252
7 Washington State       10-1      1195
8 LSU   9-2        1115
9 UCF   10-0      1108
10 Ohio State    10-1      1091
11 Texas           8-3        816
12 West Virginia            8-2        766
13 Florida         8-3        748
14 Penn State   8-3        742
15 Utah State    10-1      704
16 Washington  8-3        687
17 Utah 8-3        551
18 Kentucky      8-3        502
19 Syracuse      8-3        432
20 Mississippi State      7-4        397
21 Northwestern            7-4        302
22 Boise State  9-2        297
23 Fresno State 9-2        119
24 Army            9-2        97
25 Pittsburgh    7-4        90

Dropped from rankings: Iowa State 18, Cincinnati 20, Boston College 22, UAB 25

Others receiving votes: Iowa State 85, Cincinnati 74, Texas A&M 57, NC State 51, Wisconsin 32, Missouri 27, Boston College 22, Auburn 20, Appalachian State 18, Troy 16, Iowa 12, UAB 12, Georgia State 10, Duke 7, Oklahoma State 3, Virginia 2, Georgia Southern 1, Buffalo 1, South Carolina 1

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy,  Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff  and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.