COLUMBUS, Ohio – Braxton Miller, who ranks fourth nationally in completion percentage and seventh nationally in passing efficiency, was today named one of 16 semifinalists for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award. Miller was a finalist for the O’Brien Award last season along with Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel and Kansas State’s Collin Klein.
Miller, who is 19-0 as a starting quarterback the last two years including 7-0 this season, is leading the Ohio State offensive attack to impressive national rankings of:
§ eighth in total offense (530.9 yards per game);
§ eighth in rushing (301.1 yards per game);§ seventh in passing efficiency (171.2 rating);
§ fifth in scoring (48.2 ppg);
§ fifth in third down conversion percentage (.64-118; .542); and
§ ninth in red zone offense (43-46; .935).
Individually, Miller has been precise and razor sharp all season. He has completed 72.5 percent of his passes (108 of 149), a total that would smash the school completion record of 65.3 percent set by Troy Smith during his Heisman Trophy-winning season of 2006. Miller’s 175.87 efficiency rating is also well above the school single season record of 163.4 by Bobby Hoying in 1995.
Miller, from Huber Heights, Ohio, and Wayne High School, has thrown 15 touchdown passes – second in the Big Ten – with only three interceptions, and he has also rushed for 410 yards and scored twice.
Three O’Brien finalists will be announced Nov. 25 and the winner of the 2013 Davey O’Brien Award will be announced as part of The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN Dec. 12. Three finalists will be announced Nov. 25.
