The Manning Award recognized Mike White on Tuesday for his 517-yard passing performance in the 46-14 season-opening win vs. Rice, as the WKU quarterback was one of eight from across the country to be named a "Star of the Week."
Hilltopper fans can can vote for White by “liking” his picture on the Allstate Sugar Bowl Facebook page. When voting closes on Friday at 11 a.m. CT, the top vote-getter among the eight “Stars” will be announced as the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week.
After Week 1 of the season, White leads the country in passing yards (517) and yards per pass attempt (16.7), while ranking second in passer rating (252.67). The WKU offense amassed 649 total yards, which ranks eighth nationally, and averaged 9.98 yards per play from scrimmage, tops in the nation. With his performance, he earned Conference USA Player of the Week honors.
White’s 517 passing yards rank third for a single game in program history, and rank 10th in the history of C-USA football. He became one of seven players across college football to throw for 500-plus yards with a completion percentage of 80-percent or better since 2000. And, according to ESPN Stats and Info, White’s QBR of 98.3 was the best by an FBS quarterback in a Week 1 game over the past 10 years.
A transfer from South Florida, White had never before been recognized by the Manning Award. White’s Week 1 performance shattered his previous career high in passing yards (311), while he tied a career best with three touchdown throws.
Former WKU quarterback Brandon Doughty was named a Manning Award "Star of the Week" three times during the 2014 season, and was one of a dozen finalists for the 2015 Manning Award.
White will lead WKU into Tuscaloosa on Saturday to face No. 1 Alabama. The Hilltoppers and Crimson Tide kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT in Bryant-Denny Stadium, with the game being broadcasted on ESPN2.
Season Tickets Now Available: Season tickets for the 2016 season begin at just $80 and can be purchased through the WKU Athletics Ticket Office. To secure the best seats in the house, call 1-800-5-BIG-RED. Back for 2016 is the popular "Big Red Family Plan," a four-pack of season tickets for $200 or just $50 per person, less than $9 per game.