Daniel, Dixon and Tebow Named O'Brien Finalists

FORT WORTH, Texas (November 19, 2007) - The votes are in and the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O'Brien) has whittled the 15-man Semifinalist List down to three Finalists.

Chase Daniel, Missouri, JR
Chase Daniel is one good game away from a 4,000 yard passing season. His leadership and knowledge of the spread offense has led to 30 touchdowns and only nine interceptions in the Tigers' 10-1 storybook season. If Daniel is able to keep up his 69% passing completion this Saturday against the Jayhawks, he has the chance to lead his team in the Big XII Championship.

Dennis Dixon, Oregon, SR
With Dennis Dixon at the helm, the Ducks started 2007 poised for a legendary season. Completing 10% more of his passes this season than last, this dual-threat quarterback has thrown for an impressive 2,136 yards and rushed for 583 yards with only four interceptions. After securing a number two spot in the BCS rankings, Dixon's season-ending knee injury confirmed he is indispensable to the Duck's offense - they are now ranked ninth.

Tim Tebow, Florida, SO
Tim Tebow is the first player to both rush and pass for 20 or more touchdowns in the same season, finishing Saturday's game with 20 rushing touchdowns and 26 passing. With nearly 750 rushing yards, the nation's second most efficient passer is fighting to keep the Gators in contention for a BCS bowl, and will attempt to tear apart the Florida State defense this Saturday at The Swamp.

The Selection Committee for The O'Brien, which is comprised of journalists, broadcasters and former O'Brien Award winners, is asked to evaluate each candidate on his quarterback skills, athletic ability, academics, reputation as a team player, character, leadership and sportsmanship. The combination of votes from the Selection Committee and Fan Vote has determined the Semifinalists and Finalists thus far. This combination will continue to determine who takes home the 2007 O'Brien Award, with 5% of the total vote coming from dedicated fans.

"If you weren't a college football fan before this season I don't see how you can't be now," said Danielle Moorman, executive director of the Davey O'Brien Foundation. "The competition and upsets have kept me on the edge of my seat as did this round of voting. Our selection committee had a very difficult task in selecting the top three quarterbacks from such a talented field of candidates."

These three field generals will compete to take home the 2007 O'Brien Award until the balloting closes at noon Central Time on Sunday, Dec. 2. Beginning today, fans will be able to vote for their favorite Finalist to win this coveted award once daily on The O'Brien's Web site, www.DaveyOBrien.com.

All Finalists will be in attendance in Orlando, Fla., where The 2007 O'Brien Winner will be announced on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show Dec. 6.