Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota Among O’Brien Award Finalists

Off-field controversy hasn’t stopped Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, as the reining Heisman Trophy winner was selected as one of three finalists for the Davey O’Brien Award

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Controversy seems to follow Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, while success stays in step with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, who was named as one of three finalists for the Davey O’Brien Award, which goes to the nation’s top field general.

Winston, who has kept the defending national champs undefeated despite a storm of allegations, was also joined by TCU’s Trevone Boykin and Oregon’s Marcus Mariota, who was also selected as a finalist for the Maxwell Award. While his numbers are not as gaudy as his 2013 totals, Winston — who has thrown for 3,125 yards and 19 touchdowns this season — has rallied the Seminoles from six second half deficits, including last week’s victory over Boston College.

Florida State is third in this week’s CFP poll behind the play of Winston, who has yet to lose a game as the Seminoles’ starting quarterback.

Boykin has been a major cog in the Horned Frogs’ surprising run to a possible College Football Playoff berth, as he has tossed for 3,021 yards and 24 touchdowns. He has also been a threat as a runner, rushing for 548 yards and seven scores.

Mariota has helped place the Ducks at the number two spot in this week’s CFP poll, throwing just two interceptions in 310 attempts while connecting on a 68 percent clip. The potential first pick in next May’s NFL Draft has accounted for 3,700 yards from scrimmage to go along with 39 total touchdowns, including 32 scoring passes.

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