MSU QB on O'Brien watch list

Nick Fitzgerald racked up another preseason honor as the senior quarterback was selected to the Davey O'Brien Award Watch List, the Davey O'Brien Foundation announced on Tuesday.

The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award is presented annually to the nation's best college quarterback and is the oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award. Fitzgerald was one eight 2017 Davey O'Brien Award semifinalists and just one of six Southeastern Conference quarterbacks to be selected to the 2018 watch list.

Returning for his senior season, Fitzgerald ranks as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks to ever play in the Southeastern Conference as he enters his final season as one of only four SEC quarterbacks to throw for 4,400 yards and rush for over 2,400 yards in a career.

Fitzgerald ranks second in school history and 21st in the SEC annals with 72 career touchdowns (39 passing, 33 rushing) and leads all returning FCS quarterbacks in career rushing touchdowns, 100-yard rushing games and average yards per carry.

Starting 12 games over his junior season, Fitzgerald complied 2,766 yards of total offense and ranked third in the SEC with 230.5 yards per game average while compiling 29 total touchdowns. The Bulldog quarterback ranked behind just Lamar Jackson to rank second in the FBS with six 100-yard rushing/100-yard passing games. Fitzgerald's impressive junior campaign came to a close during the first quarter of the Egg Bowl as an ankle injury sidelined the Richmond Hill, Ga., native for the remainder of the season.

There are 16 semifinalists for the award to be announced on Nov. 6. From that list, the Foundation will announce the three finalists on Monday, Nov. 19. The 2018 Davey O'Brien Award winner will be unveiled live Thursday, Dec. 6, during The Home Depot College Football Awards.