College Football Award Finalists Pick’Em

Every year towards the end of the season, people look to the Heisman trophy as the end all, be all for college football awards. But that isn’t neccessarily true.

While the Heisman trophy is the most valued prize, the awards such as the Maxwell, Bednarik, and Outland trophy have very close to the same amount of prestige.

Let’s break down the award finalists, as well as the most notable exception.

Maxwell Award (Best all-around player)/Davey O’Brien Award (Best quarterback)
I’ve combined these two awards simply because they have the same finalists. However, it’s almost guarenteed that the same person won’t win both. So, which one of the three is going to get the short stick? Andrew Luck  of Stanford, Kellen Moore of Boise State, or Cam Newton of Auburn? Well, probably (and in my opinion, hopefully), all three will boast the hardware. If this Cam Newton scandal keeps him away from the Heisman, odds are he won’t be getting awards, but many votes have already been casted. I’d say, as of now, Newton wins the Heisman, Moore gets the Maxwell, and Luck gets the O’Brien. Also, you could make a case that Andy Dalton should be ahead of Luck or to replace Newton if he is ruled ineligible.

Doak Walker Award (Best running back)
An interesting selection crew for the award, but it looks like an obvious runaway win. LaMichael James has been a near forgotten Heisman candidate because of the versatility of Oregon’s offense, but he’s got nearly 20 touchdowns on the ground. Kendall Hunter of Oklahoma State has been a big part of that team and is deserving, but John Clay of Wisconsin making this list is just plain dumb. Not a knock to him, but he’s been hurt much of the year and it has been a rotational crew in Wisconsin. I’ve heard UConn’s Jordan Todman  and Louisville’s Bilal Powell, but although he’s been hurt, South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore has been a fringe Heisman candidate at time.

Fred Biletnikoff Award (Best receiver)
One of the more obvious picks I think, although that’s not saying much, seems to be Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State as the favorite, as he’s put up one of the best season’s based on average for a receiver in college football history. Behind him, Alshon Jeffery of South Carolina has been one of their main reasons for success, and reminds alot of Sidney Rice. Finally Ryan Broyles of Oklahoma is likely a distant 3rd, but he’s been instrumental in keep Oklahoma relevant. I think AJ Green should have still made the top 3 despite missing the early part of the year.

Outland Trophy Award (Best Interior Lineman)
In what is somewhat of a lackluster class of lineman by recent standards, it’s tough to say who is the favorite and who I’d take. Gabe Carimi has been dominate all season and has literally paved the way for Wisconsin success no matter who is the running back. Rodney Hudson of Florida State has been impressive at guard and is likely an instant NFL success. And Nate Solder has been the lone bright spot, though I think he’s a clear cut third. I’d take Carimi because of his domination all season. I also think Anthony Castanzo of Boston College and Mike Pouncey of Florida should have been ahead of Solder.

Chuck Bednarik Award (Best defensive player)
This may be the hardest of the awards to predict because of the fact it cover so many positions. As of now, the favorite is likely Da’Quan Bowers  of Clemson because of his sheer production. Also, the fact that Nick Fairley of Auburn has been viewed as a dirty player may hurt him in the long run, though he could easily pass Bowers if voters don’t put too much stock into it. The third finalist is Patrick Peterson of LSU, who likely will be the favorite and probable winner of the below award.

Jim Thorpe Award (Best defensive back)
As listed above, the likely winner of this award will be Patrick Peterson of LSU, if he doesn’t win the Bednarik award. His lead competitors are Prince Amukamara of Nebraska, who may be eventual higher pick in the NFL Draft, and Tejay Johnson of TCU who has been the Horned Frogs most recent defensive stud.

Lou Groza Award (Best kicker)
While I won’t lie, I haven’t looked at most of the kickers in the country, but as far as I’m concerned, based on what I’ve seen, I’d give the edge to Notre Dame’s David Ruffer, as he’s been maybe their most consistent offensive player. Also, Dan Bailey of Oklahoma State and Danny Hrapmann of Southern Miss are also up for the award.

Ray Guy Award (Best punter)
And if I don’t watch kickers, you can reasonably assumed I don’t scout punters, so again, I’m no expert here either. My favorite is Ryan Donahue for Iowa who has been a clutch punter and really allow this defense to attack the quarterback by pinning them deep. Also up for the award is Drew Butler of Georgia and Chas Henry of Florida.