Junior Taylor Martinez was among three Big Ten quarterbacks who completed the Manning Award Watch List, the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced on Wednesday. Overall, Martinez is one of 25 quarterbacks on the watch list.

Martinez has been one of the nation’s best dual-threat quarterbacks the past two seasons, accounting for 5,559 yards of total offense to rank third on Nebraska’s career list. In addition to being a candidate for the Manning Award, Martinez also earned a spot on the preseason watch list for the Davey O’Brien Award

In 2011, Martinez set a school record for total offense by a sophomore totaling 2,963 yards and accounting for 21 touchdowns to rank third in the Big Ten in total offense per game. He threw for 2,089 yards and 13 scores while completing 56 percent of his passes. Martinez also rushed for 874 yards and nine touchdowns, including a trio of 100-yard efforts, to rank ninth in the league in rushing. He guided an offense which was 15th nationally in rushing while going 9-4 and earning a bid to the Capital One Bowl.

The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates’ bowl performances in its balloting. Ten finalists for the award will be announced on Monday, Nov. 26, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, Jan. 9.

— Matt Smith, Nebraska Sports Information