2015 Manning Award Finalists include three SEC signal-callers

By foxsports
Published

The Manning Award announced its 12 finalists for the honor on Wednesday afternoon. 

Among the 12 include three SEC signal-callers: Brandon Allen of Arkansas, Ole Miss' Chad Kelly, and Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott. 

All three are worthy finalists for the award -- which was created in honor of the Manning family (Archie, Peyton, Eli). The honor will be given at the conclusion of the bowl season, and will take bowl performance into consideration when deciding the winner. 

Abandoning the run-heavy offense initially implemented by head coach Bret Bielema, Allen threw for 29 touchdowns and 3,125 yards. He also completed passes at a stellar 65.1-percent clip.

Kelly has led the Rebels to a 9-3 record. A transfer from Clemson, he accrued 3,740 yards passing and 27 touchdown throws. Kelly also ran for 10 touchdowns in his initial year in Oxford. 

Prescott -- often categorized as one of the most underappreciated quarterbacks in the country -- threw for 25 touchdowns to only four interceptions. He also rushed for 541 yards and 10 total touchdowns. 

(h/t Allstate Sugar Bowl)