Jordan Lynch
Northern Illinois University senior Jordan Lynch, one of the nation’s most productive players who has already set four NCAA records during his Huskie career, has been named one of 16 semifinalists for the 2013 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award.
The award is presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback and honors candidates who exemplify teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership in both academics and athletics.
The semifinalists were selected by the Davey O’Brien National Selection Committee, with five percent of the vote determined by a fan vote. Fans can now vote DAILY for which quarterbacks will be named national finalists by logging onto www.VoteOBrien.org.
The finalists will be announced Monday, Nov. 25.
“I’m really happy for Jordan,” said NIU head coach Rod Carey. “He’s having a great season and deserves to be talked about for all of these national awards. He’s a great leader for our football and a great face for our university. He’s a winner on and off the field.”
Lynch, who has led NIU to a perfect 9-0 record and a No. 18 (BCS) ranking in 2013, is 21-2 in two seasons as the Huskies’ starting quarterback. The 2012 All-American has thrown for 19 touchdowns and 1,871 yards on 164-of-258 passing (63.6 percent) and ranks fourth in the country with 1,150 rushing yards on 173 attempts and 12 TDs. He is averaging 127.8 rushing yards per game and 6.6 yards per rush to go with his 207.9 passing yards per game.
After accounting for 14 touchdowns (rushing and passing) in the Huskies’ last three games, the Chicago, Ill. native ranks second nationally in points responsible for, fourth in rushing touchdowns and 11th in total offense. He is also 14th in passing touchdowns.
Lynch has thrown at least one touchdown pass and thrown for at least 150 yards in 22 straight games, while his 18 career 100-yard rushing games are tied for first among all active players.
Over the last three games, Lynch has posted video game like numbers with 534 rushing yards on 67 carries to average eight yards per carry with eight scores, and accounted for 932 yards of total offense on 130 plays. At Central Michigan on Oct. 19, he gained 316 rushing yards on 32 carries with three touchdowns, setting the NCAA record for most rushing yards by a quarterback from the Football Bowl Subdivision. The 316 yards ranks as the most by any player in the FBS this year.
Lynch has been named the Mid-American Conference West Division Offensive Player of the Week five times this year, tying the NIU school record for most MAC weekly honors in a year.
Lynch and the No. 18 Huskies are next in action on Wednesday, Nov. 13, when they play host to Ball State.
For more information on NIU football and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
