South Dakota (10-4) won five straight after a 47-0 win over Mercer; Montana (12-1) rebounded with a 50-29 win over South Dakota State behind Keali'i Ah-Yat.
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State QB Julian Sayin and Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia are the finalists for the prestigious award.
Boise State (9-4) plays in its fourth-straight bowl behind Maddux Madsen; Washington (8-4) makes its fourth-straight postseason behind Demond Williams Jr.
South Dakota (10-4) won five straight after a 47-0 win over Mercer; Montana (12-1) rebounded with a 50-29 win over South Dakota State behind Keali'i Ah-Yat.