The College Football Awards. (Picks Galore)

Every year college football hands out some “prestigious” awards to college footballs best players. That’s usually the case, but of course there are “controversial” winners each year. Tonight is the awards night (minus the Heisman trophy). Here are the nominees and my picks to win them:

Chuck Bednarik Award:
1. Terrence Cody, Alabama- GIANT man inside for the Crimson Tide. Blocked FG helped Tide remain undefeated.
2. Brandon Spikes, Florida- Made a lot of plays for the Gator defense, including a few eye-gougings.
3. Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska- Anyone who saw him play probably thinks he is the best player in the nation.
Pick To Win: Suh (he will SERIOUSLY contend for the Heisman this year)

Biletnikoff Award:
1. Jordan Shipley, Texas- Mr Consistent for the Longhorn offense. Returned punts and kickoffs as well.
2. Freddie Barnes, Bowling Green- Almost had 745 receptions this year. Crazy numbers.
3. Golden Tait, Notre Dame- I almost cringe every time I say/hear his name. Was unreal for the Domers this year.
Pick To Win: Freddie Barnes (probably won’t happen, but he has the best numbers)

Lou Groza Award (apparently you need a “girls” name for this award):
1. Leigh Tiffin, Alabama- made the most field goals in the nation this year (29)
2. Blair Walsh, Georgia- Just a sophomore, was VERY accurate this season.
3. Kai Forbath, UCLA- Only misses were from 50 yards or longer
Pick To Win: Tiffin (seriously the only the I have heard of this year)

Ray Guy Award:
1. Drew Butler, Georgia- I go to church with a former GA punter. Interesting.
2. Chas Henry, Florida- Good name, was up for this award last year
3. Zolton Mesko, Michigan- even BETTER name. He should win on that alone.
Pick To Win: Mesko (seriously, his name is awesome)

Maxwell Award (Best All Around Player):
1. Colt McCoy, Texas- winningest college QB of all time. That should say something.
2. Mark Ingram, Alabama- led the Crimson Tide in rushing and TD’s.
3. Tim Tebow, Florida- he is a good all around player, but this year was less productive than previous years.
Pick To Win: Colt McCoy (will win it for his career numbers)

Davey O’Brien Award:
1. Colt McCoy, Texas- 12 int’s will hurt in this competition.
2. Case Keenum, Houston- put up STELLAR numbers in big games and all season.
3. Tim Tebow, Florida- passing numbers were down this year.
Pick To Win: Case Keenum (he MAY not beat the pub that the others got, but has the best numbers.)

Outland Trophy:
1. Russell Okung, Oklahoma State- will be a #1 draft pick this Spring.
2. Mike Iupati, Idaho-Big Somoan is Idaho’s first All American since 1995.
3. Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska- favorite to win most awards he is nominated for.
Pick To Win: Suh (Big 12 champ. game performance is still on everyone’s mind)

Jim Thorpe Award:
1. Eric Berry, Tennessee- one of the most exciting players in college football this year.
2. Earl Thomas, Texas- Sophomore lead the top ranked Texas defense.
3. Joe Haden, Florida- 3rd on his team with 60+ tackles.
Pick To Win: Thomas (8 int’s are too hard to ignore, far more than Berry and Haden)

Doak Walker Award:
1. Toby Gerhart, Stanford- workhorse for the Cardinals. Lead nation in yards rushing and TD’s
2. Mark Ingram, Alabama- leader of the #1 team in the nation.
3. CJ Spiller, Clemson- Electric player that returned punts and kickoffs.
Pick To Win: Gerhart (you can’t ignore his numbers)