Top Of The Class

With all due respect to this Saturday's renewal of the Army-Navy game, the 2010 regular season is complete, which means it's time to announce SI's picks for the end-of-the-season awards. And just as was the case with the major story lines from the year, this list is dominated by a running and passing quarterback from Auburn. The envelopes, please ...

HEISMAN (most outstanding player), MAXWELL (player of the year), DAVEY O'BRIEN (quarterback):

Cam Newton Auburn, Jr.

The Tigers' junior college transfer emerged as the sport's most dominant dual-threat quarterback since Vince Young, ranking first nationally in pass efficiency (188.2) and 15th in rushing (108.4 yards per game) and leading Auburn to the BCS championship game. An NCAA rules violation in which his father, Cecil, solicited money from Mississippi State during his recruitment may give Heisman voters pause. But the NCAA has so far found no evidence of wrongdoing on the player's part and deemed his eligibility intact—the lone stated criteria on the Heisman ballot.

CHUCK BEDNARIK (defensive player):

Da'Quan Bowers Clemson, Jr.

The explosive, 6'4", 275-pound defensive end proved to be the season's fiercest pass rusher, piling up a nation's-best 151/2 sacks, the second-most tackles for loss (25) and a team-high 11 quarterback hurries.

BILETNIKOFF (receiver):

Justin Blackmon Oklahoma State, Soph.

The Cowboys' breakout star had one of the most dazzling seasons ever by a receiver. He tied a Division I record with 11 consecutive games of at least 100 yards and one touchdown, which he can break in the Alamo Bowl.