Oct. 26, 2009

PITTSBURGH--Pitt senior quarterback Bill Stull, the most efficient passer in the Big East Conference, has been named a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, it was announced today by the Davey O'Brien Foundation.

Stull (Pittsburgh, Pa./Seton-LaSalle) is one of 15 semifinalists chosen by the Davey O'Brien National Selection Committee, which is comprised of journalists, broadcasters, commentators and former winners. Additionally, online fan voting accounted for 5% of the total vote.

Stull has enjoyed an exceptional senior season, completing 67% of his passes (132 of 196) for 1,654 yards with 16 touchdowns and only four interceptions. His pass efficiency rating of 161.09 ranks third nationally. Stull additionally ranks 23rd in points responsible for (13.25 points/game).

This is the latest accolade for Pitt's 6-foot-3, 215-pound signal-caller, whose strong and steady play is gaining recognition nationwide. Last week he was named to the midseason watch list for the Manning Award, annually presented to the nation's most outstanding quarterback.

Fans may now help determine which three quarterbacks will advance as Davey O'Brien finalists by voting as often as once daily at www.VoteOBrien.org. Fan voting will close at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 22. Finalists will be announced on Nov. 23. The Fan Vote accounts for 5% of each round of the voting process.

The 2009 O'Brien winner will be announced live on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show airing Dec. 10 on ESPN and be honored at the 33rd Annual Davey O'Brien Awards Dinner held at The Fort Worth Club on Feb. 15, 2010 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Stull threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns this past Saturday to lead the Panthers to a 41-14 victory over USF at Heinz Field. The win pushed Pitt to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in the Big East. The 7-1 start marks Pitt's best record after eight games since 1982.

The Panthers continue to climb in the national polls, earning a No. 16 ranking by The Associated Press and No. 17 in the USA Today coaches poll. In the latest Bowl Championship Series standings, Pitt is rated No. 15.

Following an open date this week, Pitt will return to action Nov. 7 when it hosts Syracuse at noon at Heinz Field. The game will be a national ESPNU telecast.

For ticket information, call (800) 643-PITT or log on to www.PittsburghPanthers.com.

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