Tanner Morgan Named Semifinalist for Davey O'Brien Award

https://gophersports.com/news/2019/11/13/football-morgan-named-semifinalist-for-davey-o-brien-award.aspx

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

Well deserved. Definitely one of the top QB in nation.

the pass to Bateman down by the goal line sideline on the third down was BIG time.

Burrow will be the runaway winner for any QB award and probably the Heisman as well but glad Tanner is getting some recognition for the great season he is having.

MNVCGUY said:

Burrow will be the runaway winner for any QB award and probably the Heisman as well but glad Tanner is getting some recognition for the great season he is having.

Click to expand...

Absolutely! A Gophers QB considered one of the best in the nation? One of the many things I'm seeing for the first time this season. SO FUN!

Tanner Morgan's numbers are beyond impressive. And I think he looks even better via the eye test than those numbers would indicate: always in charge, never flustered.

But, back to his stats; here's the number that is simply astounding:

Tanner Morgan is 13-2 as a starter at Minnesota.

Take a sip of that, roll it around in your mouth and let the flavor of that sink in.

Tanner Morgan is 13-2 as a starter... at Minnesota!

Amazing. And he’s only a Sophomore, and should continue to get better.

Not bad for a "game manager"

He has been outstanding.

Outstanding!

MNVCGUY said:

Burrow will be the runaway winner for any QB award and probably the Heisman as well but glad Tanner is getting some recognition for the great season he is having.

Click to expand...

Yep. Burrow's season has been just insane. A 78.9 completion %??? I mean seriously, who does that? And he's not been padding that stat via dinking and dumping the ball around, as LSU has been throwing it deep all season long. His accuracy and touch are just phenomenal and almost borderline freaky.

Tanner though, wow. I cannot even begin to imagine where we'd be without him. He is SO calm and displays such great poise for being so young in his collegiate starting role. That's why I've learned (oh so blessedly) that I don't need to panic anymore if/when the Gophers get down in a game, because I know he is so collected and is not going to mentally fall apart when the chips are down and things look rough. He's just resilient, keeps at it, and gets the job done. That's why I appreciate how difficult those non-conference games were for us, as I viewed that as being like a crucible, a great big test, and Mr. Morgan and his teammates passed all that with flying colors. The game is a struggle, you're down late and in a situation which is dire if not utterly calamitous, and hey. You just keep going, because it isn't over.

I have been a fan since the 70's, and have never seen a QB like this in the maroon and gold. He is special, and I cannot even begin to express just how much I appreciate his presence on this team.

PitinoFan said:

Amazing. And he’s only a Sophomore, and should continue to get better.

Click to expand...

unless he goes pro. third year guys draft eligible.

Congratulations to Tanner.
Well deserved.

All this sets up Tanner to be a front runner next year as a junior.

Glad he is getting this well deserved recognition. I have been impressed not only with his game but he seems like a great teammate who always gives recognition to others in his interviews.