Nov. 19, 2012
Sports Network Eddie Robinson Award Release
Bronx, N.Y. -
Fordham University head football coach Joe Moorhead was named one of 20 finalists for the 2012 Eddie Robinson Award as the NCAA FCS Coach of the Year it was announced today by The Sports Network. A panel of about 160 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will select the Robinson Award winner, which is presented by The Sports Network.
Moorhead just completed his first season as the Rams' head coach and his first as a collegiate head coach. He led Fordham to a 6-5 record after the Rams went 1-10 in 2011, one of the best turnarounds in the NCAA FCS this year. Moorhead became the football head coach to win in his debut at Fordham since Dave Rice in 1975, defeating Lock Haven 55-0 on August 30, and his six wins are the most for a first-year Fordham head coach since Jim "Sleepy" Crowley also won six games in his first season at Fordham in 1933.
A former Fordham quarterback, Moorhead brought an offensive philosophy to Rose Hill, one that allowed running back Carlton Koonce to set a new single season rushing record with 1,596 yards, shattering Kirwin Watson's single season record of 1,477 set in 2003.
Senior quarterback Ryan Higgins also benefitted from Moorhead's tutelage, completing 255 of 387 passing for 2,940 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 255 completions is the second best single season total in Fordham history while the 2,940 passing yards is fourth best.
The Fordham offense averaged 435.7 yards/game, second best in the Patriot League and 18th best in the NCAA FCS while the Rams scored 31.2 ppg, second in the league and 32nd in the NCAA FCS. The Rams also had the second ranked passing offense in the Patriot League in 2012, averaging 279.6 yards/game, 18th best in the NCAA FCS.
Voting on the Eddie Robinson Award will reflect only the regular season and conclude before the FCS playoffs begin Saturday. The winner will be announced on Dec. 17 at the FCS Awards Banquet and Presentation in Philadelphia.
