Tajh Boyd of Clemson and EJ Manuel of Florida State were selected as semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien Award, given annually to the top quarterback in the nation.

Boyd leads the ACC in total offense, averaging 308.4 yards per game. So far on the season, he has thrown for 1,908 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions, while adding 251 yards rushing. His improvement in the run game has given Boyd an added dimension this season, and is a big reason why the Tigers are off to such a great start.

Manuel leads the ACC in pass efficiency and has gone 153-of-214 for 2,033 yards with 14 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has 220 yards rushing, and has done just about everything asked of him this season.

Boyd is one of five returning semifinalists.

Sixteen players were chosen as semifinalists by a national selection committee. The committee was asked to consider the following criteria: quarterback skills, athletic ability, academics, character, leadership and sportsmanship.

Here is the full semifinalists list:

• Matt Barkley, USC, Pac-12
• Tajh Boyd, Clemson, ACC
• Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville, Big East
• Colby Cameron, Louisiana Tech, WAC
• Seth Doege, Texas Tech, Big 12
• Nick Florence, Baylor, Big 12
• Landry Jones, Oklahoma, Big 12
• Collin Klein, Kansas State, Big 12
• EJ Manuel, Florida State, ACC
• Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M, SEC
• Marcus Mariota, Oregon, Pac-12
• AJ McCarron, Alabama, SEC
• Braxton Miller, Ohio State, Big Ten
• Aaron Murray, Georgia, SEC
• Denard Robinson, Michigan, Big Ten
• Geno Smith, West Virginia, Big 12