Football Award Finalists Named

There was little surprise among the college football betting community when the finalists were named for a plethora of NCAAF awards earlier this week. Some of the best players in the country were recognized for their accomplishments, after their contributions to their schools have been closely monitored over 13 weeks of the 2010 season. Most of the nominations were revealed on Monday, with the Maxwell Award the most enticing to follow given that it is awarded to the best player in college football.

The finalists for that award are Cameron Newton of No. 2 Auburn, No. 9 Stanford’s Andrew Luck, and Kellen Moore of No. 4 Boise State. It was no surprise that same trio was nominated for the Davey O’Brien award, which is given to the best quarterback. The distinguishing is significant given the betting on NFL draft status of all three players, as it would be no surprise if at least one of them goes in the top-five picks of next year’s selections.

The most interesting of the three goes to Newton, who has his Tigers on the verge of clinching both an SEC and BCS championship. Auburn is two wins away from sealing the conference title, while it will take a total of three to be called national champions. Newtown has thrown for 2,038 yards and 21 touchdowns while representing a dual-threat for opposing defenses with the legs to break big runs. However, the junior has come under fire lately for being accused of accepting bribe money to attend the school. It was revealed early last football betting week that Newton and his father had told recruiting representatives from Mississippi State that he would commit to the school that gave him the best financial package in return. The sports betting documents include details of how Cam himself called the recruiting team before it was revealed that he would play with Auburn, apologizing that his desire to play for their team was overshadowed by his father’s decision to chase money.

Each of the other two pay per head candidates are viewed in a much more receiving light. Luck has the Cardinal ranked No. 9 in the country and second to the only team they’ve lost to in No. 1 Oregon in the PAC-10 after throwing for 2, 746 yards and 24 touchdowns in an otherwise perfect season. Moore has passed for 2, 921 yards and 28 touchdowns while leading No. 4 Boise State to within two wins of clinching its third straight perfect season. Should the Broncos win out and either of the top two teams falter down the final stretch, Moore and his teammates may finally get their shot in the BCS title game. Of the three finalists, it appears as though Luck is the most ready to take the next step as an NFL quarterback, but there is still much to be determined between now and the 2011 draft, including which of these three deserve the award as the best player in college football.