Three Big Ten quarterbacks -- Iowa’s James Vandenberg, Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez and Michigan’s Denard Robinson -- were named to the watch list for the Manning Award, given annually to the country's best at the position.
It’s the only QB award that considers postseason performance.
For Vandenberg, who led the trio with 3,022 passing yards last season, it’s his first time being honored on the list. The senior also had a 25-to-7 touchdown to interception ratio last season, significantly better than both of his conference counterparts.
Dual threat QB Taylor Martinez was named to the list last season but managed to throw just 13 touchdowns in what amounted to a disappointing first season in the Big Ten for the Cornhuskers. His nine rushing touchdowns were second on the team.
Michigan’s dynamic QB, Denard Robinson, accounted for 36 touchdowns last season for the Wolverines, in addition to a team-high 1,176 yards rushing. Coach Brady Hoke planned to limit Robinson’s rushing attempt this year but with the indefinite suspension of starting halfback Fitzgerald Toussaint, the senior’s attempts may again surpass 200 attempts.
Robinson, whose team was 11-2 last year, has a realistic chance of playing in a BCS game, which could perhaps give him a slight advantage in terms of exposure.
All three Big Ten candidates will play each other head-to-head, as Nebraska hosts Michigan on Oct. 27 and then ends its season at Iowa on Nov. 23. The Wolverines host Iowa on Nov. 17.
No Big Ten quarterback has ever won the award, which began following the 2004 season.
Here’s the full list of nominees.
For more Big Ten coverage, follow Dave Carey and Mike Singer @CBSSportsBigTen
