Will Cam Newton Return And 10 Questions Facing Auburn After BCS Title Win

The college football season has come to a close, with Auburn defeating Oregon 22-19 in the BCS Championship Game. Whether you found the game enjoyable and hard-fought or boring and messy, a great college football season is done, and now all eyes turn to Auburn and its players.

After the championship game, various questions arise about Heisman winner Cam Newton, namely questions about him going pro. Beyond that, there are other players that could be looking at the draft, and the team is going to need to look ahead to 2011 already. What are the most pressing questions surrounding Cam Newton and Auburn?

Will Cam Newton Go Pro?

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers walks through the tunnel towards the locker room after the Tigers 22-19 victory against the Oregon Ducks in the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix

The million dollar question comes first. Cam Newton continues to be ranked higher and higher on most draft boards, and is pretty much guaranteed to be a first round choice. The question is, will he go pro? It is likely, since I can't see him helping his stock any more next season, and with the teams in need of a quarterback, he could start very quickly.

Will Nick Fairley Go Pro?

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates the Tigers 22-19 victory against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (

While Auburn's offensive leader could go pro, Auburn's defensive leader is likely to as well. Nick Fairley would be one of the first defensive players selected if he were to declare in the draft, and it is likely he will leave as well. Could he actually stay though? I find that hard to believe given how quickly his stock rose.

Will Cam Newton Be the First Quarterback Taken?

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers is sacked by Zac Clark #99 of the Oregon Ducks in the first quarter during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in G

The first quarterback selected will likely be dependent on who performs the best at the combine, and it's likely between Newton, Blaine Gabbert and Ryan Mallett. Could Newton launch himself above both? Vince Young got past Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler, so it's certainly possible.

When Will Gus Malzahn Get a Head Coaching Job?

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: A general view of the scoreboard during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game between the Oregon Ducks and the Auburn Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jonathan F

Gus Malzahn is one of the best offensive minds in football, so to me it's a question of when, not if, he'll become a head coach. He's made not only Cam Newton into a star and household name, but Michael Dyer as well. I can see him getting many offers sooner rather than later now that the college season is over, even if both offenses were no big deal this game.

Is Auburn the Favorite To Win the SEC Next Year?

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Michael Williams #89 of the Alabama Crimson Tide walks onto the field after a timeout during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by M

After winning the national championship, you would think Auburn would be the favorite? However, it looks like Alabama and LSU are the best SEC teams heading into the season, and Auburn could fall back in the preseason rankings, maybe out of the top 10 if Newton and Fairley declare. To this question I say no.

Who Will Take Over at Quarterback?

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 and head coach Gene Chizik of the Auburn Tigers celebrate the Tigers 22-19 victory with the fans after defeating the Oregon Ducks in the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Pho

Let's say that Cam Newton declares for the draft. If he does, who will quarterback the team in 2011? It would be between Barret Trotter and Clint Moseley, neither of whom we know much about. Trotter in particular has ridiculous high school stats, and I could see him taking over to start things off.

Where Will Auburn Be Ranked to Start the Season?

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates the Tigers 22-19 victory against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (

Since preseason rankings are almost silly since you can ask 100 people and get 100 different top 10s, one wonders where Auburn will start the season. It will certainly be higher than last year, but where? They could be as high as seventh, or as low as 20th. A lot is dependent on Newton and Fairley, but they likely won't be in the top five unless both stay, and even then who knows.

Can Michael Dyer Win the 2011 Heisman?

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers runs the ball for a 37-yards late in the fourth quarter during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo

Michael Dyer became a household name after his runs in the bowl game. With Newton likely going pro, the offense of Gene Chizik and Gus Malzahn will revolve around Michael Dyer, who had a great freshman season. If he takes it to another level, could he win the Heisman in 2011? People love voting for underclassman these days, so he certainly has a chance.

Can Auburn's Defense Improve in 2011?

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers sacks Marvin Johnson #1 of the Oregon Ducks in the fourth quarter of the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona.

Excluding Nick Fairley, Auburn's defense was not all that impressive this past year. With a year of experience under their belts, the members of the defense that are returning should be improved, but will they be better? Losing the leader of an average defense could cause problems if another doesn't step up.

Will Any Freshmen Step Up?

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers runs the ball for a 37-yards late in the fourth quarter during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo

Michael Dyer and Cameron Newton, both 5-star recruits, had great years for Auburn. Could any do the same? The defense needs a new leader, and 5-star recruit Brent Calloway could very well be that guy. It's too early to tell, but hopefully some freshmen can make an impact for Auburn.