University of Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan was named one of 16 semifinalists for the 2019 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award. The award is presented annually to the best college quarterback, and is the nation's oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award.
In conjunction with ESPN, the Davey O'Brien Foundation and its National Selection Committee will release the names of the three finalists on Monday, Nov. 25. The 2019 Davey O'Brien winner will be announced live on Thursday, Dec. 12.
Morgan has guided Minnesota to a 9-0 overall record and a 6-0 mark in the Big Ten. The last time Minnesota was 9-0 was 1904 and the last time it was 6-0 in the Big Ten was 1961.
Through nine games this year, he has completed 131-of-193 passes (67.9%) for 2,100 yards and 21 touchdowns (also rushed for a score). Morgan ranks third in the nation in yards per attempt (10.88), fourth in yards per completion (16.03) and 16th in completion percentage (67.9%). He is fourth in the nation in passing efficiency at 191.10 and is tied for 18th with 21 passing touchdowns.
Morgan has thrown for a touchdown in every game this year (has four games with at least three TDs) and has 21 passing touchdowns. His 21 touchdowns are the third most ever in a season in school history. Adam Weber ranks first in school history when he threw 24 touchdowns in 2007. Bryan Cupito is second with 22 touchdowns in 2006 and Morgan is third with 21 this year. His 2,100 yards are the 18th most in a season and the school record is 2,895 yards set by Weber in 2007.
Morgan, is 13-2 as a starter at Minnesota, has thrown for 3,501 yards (11th in school history) in 18 career games. He has completed 220-of-345 passes for 30 touchdowns (all have come in his 15 starts), which ranks eighth in school history. Morgan's career completion percentage of 63.8% currently places him first in school history (minimum 300 attempts) ahead of Mark Carlson, who completed 57.2% of his passes from 1976-79. Morgan's career pass efficiency rating of 171.9 also currently ranks first in school history, well ahead of Bryan Cupito who had a pass efficiency rating of 138.34 from 2003-06.