NIU's Lynch Among Heisman Finalists

(CBS/AP) --  Northern Illinois University quarterback Jordan Lynch, who has led the Huskies to a near-perfect season, is among six finalists for the Heisman Trophy.

The others are Florida State's Jameis Winston, Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel, Alabama's AJ McCarron, Auburn's Tre Mason and Boston College's Andre Williams.

Six finalists invited to Saturday's ceremony in New York are the most since 1994.

Lynch led No. 24 Northern Illinois (12-1) to within a victory of a BCS bid and has set the major college record for yards rushing for a quarterback this season with 1,815. He also tweeted that he was a finalist about five minutes before the official announcement was made on ESPN by former winner Danny Wuerffel.

"NYC here I come!! Thanks to the coaches teammates and media relation couldn't of did it wt out them!" the record-setting senior posted.

NyC here income thanks to coaches, teammates DFO and media relation for making this possible!!#bobcole

— Jordan Lynch (@Jordanlynch06) December 9, 2013

Winston is the overwhelming favorite to win the award Saturday night in New York now that a sexual assault complaint against him in Tallahassee, Fla., has been closed without charges being filed. He could also become the second freshman to win the award.

Manziel was the first last year. The Aggies quarterback is trying to join another exclusive Heisman club by becoming the second player to win the award twice. Ohio State's Archie Griffin won the award in 1974 and `75.

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