29th August 2008 8:14 pm

With the kickoff of the 2008 college football season, Pontiac and NCAA ® Football will challenge fans nationwide to support their teams in its fifth year of Pontiac Game Changing Performance, the first and only fan-voted scholarship program. With nearly $200,000 in general scholarship contributions on the line, spectators can “get in the game” by voting on the Pontiac Game Changing Performance, which recognizes the play that had the biggest impact on the outcome of the game.

For 14 straight weeks, ESPN’s College GameDay Crew will determine the four “Pontiac Game Changing Performance” nominations.

“Through Pontiac Game Changing Performance, Pontiac continues to build a closer connection with college sports fans everywhere, providing the ultimate platform for fans to recognize their favorite teams and giving them a true stake in the outcome,” said Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN GameDay Analyst. “The power of this program has pushed Pontiac into the spotlight as a leader in college sports sponsorships.”

Every Sunday morning, beginning August 31, fans can go to pontiac.com/ncaa to help determine which school will earn a $5,000 general scholarship. The school that receives the most votes for that week will be announced during the Pontiac G6 Halftime Report on ESPN Thursday night games.

In addition, each week one lucky individual who visits pontiac.com/ncaa, will also win a $5,000 scholarship for them self or someone in their family.

In December, voters will determine which school wins the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year award and a $100,000 general scholarship contribution. Last year’s award was presented to Trinity University.

“The scholarship contribution by Pontiac will benefit countless Trinity students. The donation was placed in the university’s unrestricted endowed scholarship fund, which makes this a gift that keeps on giving and will impact Trinity students for years to come,” said Coach Steven Mohr, Head Coach of Trinity Football. “We are thankful to Pontiac for their contribution and support of educational opportunities for students across the country.”

Since the program’s inception in 2004, Pontiac, the Official Performance Machines of the NCAA ®, have contributed nearly $1.5 million to NCAA institutions.

“With the help of NCAA® Football and our broadcast partners, Pontiac is once again honored to play a role in enhancing the college athletic experience,” said Steve Rosenblum, Pontiac & GMC Advertising & Sales Promotion Director. “By allowing the fans to actively participate in the excitement of the game, Pontiac Game Changing Performance encourages schools and their fans to put their team on top, but the real winners are the students that directly benefit from the scholarship money.”

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