College Football Awards 2012: Results, Winners and Analysis

Welcome to the major awards before the major award.

College football fans are undoubtedly excited for this weekend when the 78th—77th if you don't want to include that guy named Reggie Bush—Heisman Trophy award is handed out to the best player in the country, but on Thursday, we get a pretty darn good preview:

The Home Depot College Football Awards.

We've got the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, which often gives us a pretty good indication of how Saturday will go. Via ESPN Stats and Info:

"

If Johnny Manziel or Collin Klein wins the Davey O'Brien award Thurs., it could be a good sign: 5 of the last 6 winners have won the Heisman

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 5, 2012"

We've got the Maxwell Award, given out to the most outstanding player; the Chuck Bednarik Award, given out to the best defensive player; the Biletnikoff Award, given out to the best wide receiver; the Doak Walker Award, given out to the best running back; the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back; the Outland Trophy, given to the best interior lineman; the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award; and finally, the Ray Guy Award, given to the best punter.

The John Mackey Award for the nation's best tight end will also be recognized, but we already know the winner is Tyler Eifert of Notre Dame. 

Essentially, the nation's All-Star team will be revealed to us on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. ET as several young studs take home some impressive hardware. 

For a complete look at the finalists for each award, check out ESPN.com. Follow along here for an update as the winners are announced.

Winners

Award	Winner	School	Year
Maxwell	Manti Te'o	Notre Dame	Senior
Davey O'Brien National Quarterback	Johnny Manziel	Texas A&M	Freshman
Chuck Bednarik	Manti Te'o	Notre Dame	Senior
Biletnikoff	Marqise Lee	USC	Sophomore
Doak Walker	Montee Ball	Wisconsin	Senior
Jim Thorpe	Johnthan Banks	Mississippi State	Senior
Outland Trophy	Luke Joeckel	Texas A&M	Junior
Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker	Cairo Santos	Tulane	Junior
Ray Guy	Ryan Allen	Louisiana Tech	Senior
John Mackey	Tyler Eifert	Notre Dame	Senior

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