LITTLE ROCK (AP) -Missouri offensive coordinator Dave Christensen was one of five finalists announced Tuesday for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant coach.
The other finalists are Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, Kansas defensive coordinator Bill Young, Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Heacock and West Virginia offensive coordinator Calvin Magee.
The Broyles Award is named for Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles. He was the Razorbacks’ football coach, and more than 25 of his assistants became head coaches. They include Joe Gibbs, Jimmy Johnson, Johnny Majors and Jackie Sherrill.
Christensen directs the nation’s No. 1 offense for the top-ranked Tigers, who will play Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game on Saturday for a chance to play in the BCS national championship game. Heisman Trophy contender Chase Daniel has thrown for 3,951 yards and 33 touchdowns in Christensen’s spread offense.
Muschamp’s defense is allowing only 16.7 points per game and has shut down some of the Southeastern Conference’s top rushers. Auburn held Arkansas’ Darren McFadden to 43 yards and Mississippi’s BenJarvus Green-Ellis to 62.
Young has led a Kansas defense that is ranked No. 1 in the Big 12 at 318 yards allowed per game. The Jayhawks have been one of college football’s biggest surprises this year. They were undefeated before last weekend’s 36-28 loss to Missouri.
Ohio State was expected to slip some after losing Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, but Heacock’s defense has allowed under 11 points per game, and the Buckeyes are ranked No. 3 in the nation. Ohio State has held opponents to three-and-out on 48.5 percent of their possessions.
Magee leads a West Virginia offense that is No. 2 in the nation in rushing. Along with Missouri, the second-ranked Mountaineers control their own destiny in the national title race.
The Broyles Award winner will be announced Dec. 4 in Little Rock.
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