ATLANTA, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week award have been announced after the third week of college football action, and now it's up to fans to determine the winner. USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree, Michigan State running back Javon Ringer and BYU quarterback Max Hall 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.
USC quarterback Mark Sanchez led his top-ranked Trojans with four touchdown passes in a 35-3 win over #5 Ohio State. Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree, last year's AT&T All-America Player of the Year, had 8 catches for 164 yards receiving and scored three touchdowns in the #12 Red Raiders win over SMU. Michigan State running back Javon Ringer, who was also a nominee in week #2, rushed for a career-high 282 yards in 43 carries as he helped lead the 2-1 Spartans to a 17-0 win against Florida Atlantic University. Ringer also scored two touchdowns in the effort. And BYU quarterback Max Hall tied a school record with 7 touchdown passes (six in the first half) as the #18 Cougars routed the UCLA Bruins 59-0.
"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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