Bailey And Swanson On Outland Trophy Watch List

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - University of Arkansas juniors Alvin Bailey and Travis Swanson were both named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, it was announced Thursday.

Bailey and Swanson have started at guard and center, respectively, for all 26 games of their collegiate careers. They have blocked for consecutive seasons with a 3,000-yard passer, including the first season in school history with a 3,000-yard passer and a 1,000-yard rusher in 2010. In 2011, the offensive line allowed the offense to break 16 game or season school records and produce a 3,000-yard passer for the third straight season. Arkansas led the SEC in total offense, passing offense and scoring offense to become just the fifth different school, and first since 2001, to lead the conference in all three categories in a single season and the sixth team in conference history, and second since 1992, to lead the SEC in passing offense for three straight seasons. The Razorbacks ranked 13th in the country with their average of 300.7 passing yards per game, 15th in the nation with an average of 36.8 points per game and 29th in the NCAA with an average of 438.1 yards of total offense per game.

Last season, Bailey was named an All-American by Pro Football Weekly and a second-team All-SEC performer. Earlier this week, Swanson was included on the Rimington Trophy Watch List, which is presented to the outstanding collegiate offensive center, for the second straight season.

The Outland Trophy is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football. The winner is chosen from three finalists who are part of the FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects the 25-man team and eventually the three Outland finalists to be named on Nov. 19. Committee members select the winner by individual ballot.

The Outland Trophy, presented annually since 1946, is the third-oldest award in major college football. The winner of the 67th Outland Trophy, named after the late John Outland, an All-America lineman at Penn and Kansas at the turn of the century, will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 6 on ESPN. The Outland Trophy presentation banquet, sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee, will be held Jan. 10, 2013 in Omaha, Neb.