ATLANTA, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week award have been announced after the second week of college football action, and now it's up to fans to determine the winner. Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant, East Carolina quarterback Patrick Pinkney and Michigan State running back Javon Ringer have been selected by ESPN as this week's top candidates, based on the players' outstanding performances over the weekend. Fans can text message VOTE to 51234 on their wireless phone to opt in for the chance to vote.
Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford threw for a career high 395 yards and 5 TD's in the Sooners 52-26 win over Cincinnati. Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant had 9 catches for 236 yards receiving and scored four touchdowns -- the best receiving game by a Cowboy since 2006. Bryant capped his night with a 71-yard punt return for a touchdown. East Carolina quarterback Patrick Pinkney was near perfect, passing for 22-28 for 236 yards and 1 touchdown to upset No. 8 West Virginia 24-3 and lead his Pirates to their second win against a ranked team. Michigan State running back Javon Ringer rushed for 135 yards and a career-high five touchdowns -- with 25 carries for 105 yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone -- to lead Michigan State to a 42-10 victory over Eastern Michigan.
"Some really exciting football is being played early this college football season and these four guys were a part of some big wins," said Tim McGhee, director of corporate sponsorships for AT&T. "Fans will clearly have some tough decisions to consider as they determine the recipient of the AT&T Player of the Week Award, and we are excited to provide them with the opportunity and the voice."
Fans have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday to submit their votes. The winner will be announced during Thursday's ESPN College Football Primetime Presented by Applebee's. Standard text messaging rates apply.
There is no limit on fan voting, and each vote counts as one entry into a sweepstakes to win a trip to the 2009 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship game in Miami. Full sweepstakes rules can be found at http://www.espnallamerica.com/rules.aspx.
In December, four finalists for the AT&T All-America Player of the Year Award will be announced during a one-hour special on ESPN in conjunction with the announcement of the AT&T ESPN All-America Team as selected by the Football Writers Association of America. Fans will then get a chance to say who the best player in the nation is by voting for the AT&T All-America Player of the Year through the BCS. Voting ends at noon ET on Jan. 6, and the winner will be announced during the BCS National Championship game on FOX on Jan. 9.
Additionally, AT&T customers can view video highlights and photos of each week's candidates and track their favorite teams through AT&T's wireless NCAA Football Portal, which is accessible on AT&T handsets by launching AT&T MEdia(TM) Net and clicking through to the sports category. AT&T wireless customers with 3G handsets can also watch "Confessions of a College Football Junkie" video clips featuring Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit by accessing ESPN on AT&T CV.*
Through the AT&T MEdia Mall, fans can also download fight song ringtones from more than 150 college and universities. Animated screensavers and 3-D mobile wallpaper are available for more than 100 college and universities.
*AT&T CV requires a MEdia Max Unlimited or MEdia Net Unlimited bundle. Details on AT&T's MEdia Net bundles and other offers are available at http://www.att.com/wireless.
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