Meyer named national coach of year

Urban Meyer, who has led Utah to an 11-0 season and the brink of a historic BCS bowl invitation, has been named the Home Depot National Coach of the Year.

Meyer will be presented with the award at the Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, Dec. 9, in Orlando, Fla. The show, which will also feature Ute quarterback Alex Smith, will be televised live from 5-7 p.m. MST on ESPN.

"This award is a reflection of our staff and team at Utah," Meyer said, in a release by Home Depot. "Believe me, the hard work and efforts of many people lie behind every individual award. I want to thank ESPN and ABC for televising our games because recognition is a direct result of exposure."

Meyer was also named one of six finalists for the Football Writers Association of America's Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award. The other nominees include Pete Carroll (USC), Kirk Ferentz (Iowa), Mike Price (UTEP), Jeff Tedford (California) and Tommy Tuberville (Auburn).