December 10, 2008
NationalChamps.net releases 2nd annual Underdog Award
GIVEN TO THE NATION'S BEST MID-MAJOR PLAYER

Chase Clement Wins NationalChamps.net’s 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD

BALTIMORE, MD -- In an effort to bring media attention to those players from smaller schools that are too often overlooked for the HEISMAN and other major awards, NationalChamps.net presents its annual UNDERDOG AWARD to recognize the best FBS Mid-Major player in the nation. In evaluating the rich talent found throughout the 54 schools not aligned in automatic-bid BCS conferences, our commitment to finding overall excellence in college football at all levels remains at the forefront of our efforts. Started in 2007, the UNDERDOG AWARD is the only post-season award dedicated exclusively to these exceptional Mid-Major student-athletes.

NationalChamps.net initially chose 28 players for the 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD Preseason Watch List, which was primarily based upon those players’ 2007 performances. Our 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD In-Season Watch List, released over a month ago, presented 25 players worthy of recognition due to their excellence this season. The 14 Semi-Finalists were revealed two weeks ago. We readily recognized all of our candidates and their achievements, which exemplify the UNDERDOG AWARD’s integrity and aim.

Our 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD Finalists were determined last week. An exclusive group like this represents how high the bar of Mid-Major talent has been set and shows the immense need for an award like this.

The 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD Finalists (announced December 2, 2008):

QB Nate Davis – Jr. - Ball State

QB Chase Clement – Sr. - Rice

RB MiQuale Lewis – Jr. - Ball State

WR Austin Collie – Jr. - BYU

But, there can be only one winner. After evaluating numbers and all of the other intangibles, our panel of voters is pleased to name CHASE CLEMENT of Rice as the winner of the 2008 NationalChamps.net UNDERDOG AWARD.

QB Chase Clement - Rice
Class: Senior
Height: 6-1 Weight: 210
Hometown: San Antonio , TX
Team Record: 9-3
Passing
Rushing
CMP ATT YDS CMP% YPA TD INT EFFICIENCY ATT YDS AVG TD
296 446 3812 66.4 8.5 41 7 165.4 142 621 4.4 11
Game Log .. Passing Rushing
DATE & OPP
RESULT
CMP
ATT
YDS
TD
INT
ATT
YDS
TD
8/29 SMU
Won 56-27
24
37
258
6
0
13
87
0
9/6 @ Memphis
Won 42-35
26
44
318
1
2
15
80
2
9/13 @ Vanderbilt
Lost 21-38
25
39
299
1
1
15
27
1
9/20 @ Texas
Lost 10-52
25
37
254
1
0
14
20
0
9/27 North Texas
Won 77-20
22
28
298
5
0
10
69
2
10/4 @ Tulsa
Lost 28-63
22
42
321
2
1
15
40
0
10/18 Southern Miss
Won 45-40
30
43
444
6
1
8
22
0
10/25 @ Tulane
Won 42-17
20
25
168
2
1
8
57
2
11/1 @ UTEP
Won 49-44
28
41
372
5
0
12
21
1
11/8 Army
Won 38-31
21
28
384
3
0
9
87
1
11/22 Marshall
Won 35-10
25
41
315
4
1
10
53
1
11/29 Houston
Won 56-42
28
41
381
5
0
13
58
1

It is hard to ignore the sheer numbers put up by Rice hurler Chase Clement. A true ‘iron man’ (ranked fourth all-time in FBS for total plays), this senior is responsible for the most points scored this year by any player (52 total TDs – 41 passing, 11 rushing – so far), and Clement has Tim Tebow’s single-season combined TD mark from last year’s HEISMAN campaign (55 total TDs – 32 passing, 23 rushing) in sight with one game left. His 120 total career TDs ranks second all-time at this level of competition. Though he is a dual-threat, Chase has thrown for at least five TDs seven times in his career and for six three times (twice this year). Owning every school offensive record and many other conference marks, Clement has led his team to nine wins in ‘08, the most wins Rice has had in one campaign since 1953. A bowl win – also not seen at Rice since 55 years ago – would mean Clement’s 2008 Owls would finish tied for the most wins in school history, but his legacy as the team’s best player ever is already secured.

From Alamo Heights (San Antonio), Texas, Chase Clement is the 2008 UNDERDOG AWARD winner and truly embodies the pride and heart of Texas football.

Congratulations, Chase!!!

IN-SEASON WATCH LIST (released November 4, 2008)
SEMI-FINALISTS (released November 24, 2008)
FINALISTS (released December 2, 2008)


PAST UNDERDOG AWARD WINNERS