College Football Awards: Who Are The Top Contenders?

Believe it or not, there are other College Football awards besides the Heisman Trophy.

These awards might not get the notoriety of the Heisman, but they are still coveted.

Defensive standouts like Patrick Peterson or quarterbacks on underrated teams like Robert Griffin III aren't getting the Heisman love they deserve, but they'll certainly garner consideration for these awards.

Here are this year's top contenders for each of the major (non-Heisman) College Football awards.

Davey O'Brien Award (Top Quarterback)

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 8: Quarterback Robert Griffin #10 of the Baylor Bears passes the bal downfield during the game against the Texas Longhorns on November 8, 2008 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. Texas won 45-21. (Photo by B

1. Cameron Newton, Auburn

1,573 passing yards, 66.7 CMP% 15 TD, 5 INT, 172.61 RAT, 1,122 rushing yards, 14 TD, 6.7 ypc

2. Kellen Moore, Boise State

1,865 passing yards, 69.8 CMP%, 18 TD, 2 INT, 188.3 RAT

3. Denard Robinson, Michigan

1,509 passing yards, 65.1 CMP% 10 TD, 5 INT, 155.27 RAT, 1,287 rushing yards, 12 TD, 7.8 ypc

4. Robert Griffin III, Baylor

2,592 passing yards, 66.7 CMP%, 20 TD, 5 INT, 159.77 RAT, 401 rushing yards, 7 TD, 4.4 ypc

5. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa

1,922 passing yards, 68.5 CMP% 19 TD, 2 INT, 180.28 RAT

Winner: Griffin.  He isn't getting much recognition now, but with higher-profile games coming up, that will change.  He already has over 1,000 more passing yards than Newton, and only two fewer total TD.

Chuck Bednarik Award (Top Defensive Player)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers against Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

1. Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Leads college football with 10 sacks.

2. Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA

45 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 INT for the Bruins.

3.Robert Lester, CB, Alabama

32 tackles and 5 INT on one of the nation's best defenses.

4. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Despite his position as a power end facing constant double teams, Clayborn has 36 tackles and 3 sacks on the year.

 5. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

His worth doesn't show up on the stats sheet, but he is the main reason behind the Husker's position as one of the nation's best pass defenses.

Winner: Bowers.  He's a sack machine.

Fred Biletnikoff Award (Top WR)

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 05: Wide receiver Justin Blackmon #81 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys warms up before the college football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defe

1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Even after missing a game due to suspension, he has 62 rec, 1112 yds, 14 TD.

2. Greg Salas, Hawaii

System helps, but 81 rec, 1236 yds, 8 TD is no joke.

3. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

78 rec, 1018 yds, 8 TD.

4. Randall Cobb, Kentucky

59 rec, 682 yds, 6 TD, 275 rushing yds, 5.6 ypc, 4 rushing TD, 3 passing TD

Winner: Blackmon, assuming he isn't suspended further.

Lou Groza (Top Kicker)

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 05: Kicker Dan Bailey #95 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys kicks a field goal during the college football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defeat

1. Dan Bailey, Oklahoma State

16/16, 52 LNG, 44/44 XPM

2. Danny Hrapmann, Southern Miss

18/19, 54 LNG, 29/29 XPM

Winner: Bailey.  Just because he'll get more recognition for being in the Big 12, and he hasn't missed yet.  But this is a two-man race, and someone should give the Saints both of these guys' numbers.

Ray Guy Award (Top Punter)

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Chas Henry #17 of the Florida Gators raises his helmet in vicrtory following the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

1. Brian Stahovich, SDSU

36 punts, 47.4 avg, 89 LNG

2. Chas Henry, Florida

28 punts, 48.8 avg, 75 LNG

3. Kyle Martens, Rice

42 punts, 47.5 avg

Winner: Stahovic.  His 89-yard punt was apparently very wind-aided, but still, the guy has the third-best punting average and has an 89-yard punt to his name.  Give him the award now.

John Mackey (Top TE)

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Tight end Michael Egnew #82 of the Missouri Tigers takes a hit from cornerback Prince Amukamara #21 and teammates of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Linc

1. Michael Egnew, Missouri

63 rec, 515 yds, 3 TD

2. Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette

25 rec, 437 yds, 4 TD

3. Ted Bolser, Indiana

20 rec, 329 yds, 5 TD

Winner: Egnew should win this easily.

Doak Walker (Top RB)

Harry How/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates his touchdown with Ramsen Golpashin #70 for a 43-32 lead over the USC Trojans during the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 30, 2010 in Los Angeles,

1. LaMichael James, Oregon

1,210 yds, 7.1 ypc, 14 TD

2. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State

1,172 yds, 6.2 ypc, 12 TD

3. Bilal Powell, Louisville

1,067 yds, 7.0 ypc, 9 TD

Winner: James by a landslide.

Home Depot Award (Coach of the Year)

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 30: Texas Christian University Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson gestures to his players as they take on the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium October 30, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. TCU won 48-6. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Image

1. Art Briles, Baylor

2. Mark Dantonio, Michigan State

3. Gary Patterson, TCU

4. Gene Chizik, Auburn

5. Chip Kelly, Oregon

Winner: Patterson.  I think Baylor and Auburn's magic will run out, and if TCU gets a shot at the National Title, this award is Patterson's to lose (even if he loses to Oregon).

Comments

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Trey Burton #8 of the Florida Gators celebrates following a touchdown during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

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Matt Rudnitsky is a student at the University of Michigan and a writing intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Mattrud