I am actually more surprised that Farrell wasn't in the top 3 although I felt either would be a good pick at 3rd. It's also just a really good year for the NCAA, as you have some flat out sick Freshman in Fantilli, Cooley, Hutson, Snuggerud. Any one of them deserves to be in the Final 3 for the outstanding seasons they all had. Add in Farrell, Hughes, who both impressed the hell out of me just about every time I watch either of them.
Farrell being 2nd OA in the NCAA in ppg (since the Ivy league schools play less then the rest of the NCAA), I felt he clearly could have been a top 3 finalist. Great season from him for sure. Hughes as well though I think Farrell's case is a little better it wouldn't be the worst if Hughes was a top 3 finalist as he's going to be such a good NHLer imo.
Then you have Jason Polin who led the NCAA in goals, the Hobey seem to prefer giving the award to older players so I could have seen him get picked and I would say you could make a decent case for him.
After the 1st half ended I thought McAllister was going to win it as he had been leading the NCAA in points for most of the season at that point. He had a great season but seemed to tail off a bit in the 2nd half so I can see why he wasn't named.
Graf had a great season as well, I wouldn't have picked him over say Farrell.