Oher Named Finalist for Outland Trophy

DALLAS Ole Miss offensive tackle Michael Oher was named a finalist Monday for the 63rd Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football. Other finalists include Oklahoma guard Duke Robinson and Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith.

The winner of the Outland Trophy will be announced on the evening of Dec. 11 during "The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show" at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The show, hosted by ESPN's Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit, airs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. CT.

"We are proud of Michael and excited for him," said Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt. "Michael has had an excellent senior year and has played a major role in the success of our offense, both running and passing."

Oher, a 6-5, 318-pound senior from Memphis, has started 45 straight games for the No. 25 Rebels (7-4), who defeated LSU, 31-13, last Saturday. The subject of a book, "The Blind Side: The Evolution of a Game," depicting his ascension from impoverished beginnings, Oher was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week after Ole Miss beat Louisiana-Monroe 59-0 this season.

With Oher helping pave the way, the Rebels rank third in the SEC in rushing offense (180.1 ypg) and fourth in fewest sacks allowed (1.36 pg) this year. He is the first finalist for the award to come from Ole Miss.

The Outland Trophy, which has been awarded annually by the FWAA since 1946, is named after the late John Outland, an All-America lineman at Pennsylvania at the turn of the century. The Outland Trophy is the third oldest award in major college football behind the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award. Among the past recipients is current Ole Miss assistant coach Tracy Rocker, who won the award in 1988 as Auburn's All-American defensive tackle.

The official 2008 award presentation will be Jan. 15, 2009, in Omaha, Neb., at a banquet sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee. A past Outland Trophy winner will also receive his trophy there.

The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of nearly 1,000 men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. 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 gameday operations, major awards, a national poll and its annual All-America team.

For more information on the Outland Trophy, go to the official website, www.outlandtrophy.com.

The University of Mississippi Athletics

Related News

Related Videos