Bilentnikoff Award finalists announced
The Finalists for the Bilentnikoff Award, which honours the nation’s best wide receiver, were announced on Monday as Oklahoma State Cowboys’ Justin Blackmon, the Oklahoma Sooners Ryan Broyles and the South Carolina Gamecocks’ Alshon Jeffery.
Heading into the final two weeks of the season, the award favourite remains Blackmon, who is the only nominee expected to appear on the Heisman Trophy ballot at the end of the year. Blackmon has been considered the best receiver in the League for almost
the entire year, and barring outstanding performances from Broyles and Jeffery, should take home the award.
Blackmon has not slowed down since week one when the sophomore caught eight passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns. To this point the Oklahoma native has managed an incredible 94 receptions for 1,560 yards and 17 touchdowns. Blackmon has helped to lead
the Cowboys to a 10-1 record and the second best passing offence in the nation. Blackmon has yet to play to less than 120 yards this season and should be expected to walk away with the Bilentnikoff at the end of the year.
Sooners star wide receiver Broyles will attempt to close in on Blackmon in his club’s final regular season game on Saturday 27 November. Broyles has also had a very successful season, tallying 106 receptions for 1,309 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, sitting
over 200 yards and five touchdowns behind Blackmon with 12 more receptions should ensure him the runner-up position.
The underdog in the category is Jeffery, who has had a stellar year for the Southeastern Conference East Division champion Gamecocks. With two games remaining in his season, Jeffery has already managed 70 receptions for 1,210 yards and seven touchdowns.
While Jeffery’s 17.3 yards per catch average is very impressive, his lack of touchdowns is likely to keep him from taking the award.
The NCAA was able to enjoy a plethora of talented receivers in 2010, however with only two weeks left in the campaign, it looks as though Blackmon will take home the Bilentnikoff Award.
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