And it's on to the next one.

Cam Newton has decided to call time on what has been arguably the greatest "one & done" season in college football history.  He has had an interesting journey over the last three years; starting in Gainesville, FL through Brenham, TX and finally stopping in Glendale, AZ.

His decison to turn pro isn't exactly a surprise; hardly anyone expected him to return for his senior season.  With Andrew Luck opting to return to school for another year, the chance that Newton might be drafted 1st overall have probably increased.  The only quarterback rated higher than him in the draft is Missouri's Blaine Gabbert. 

No offense to Gabbert, but if he and Newton were to switch teams (coincidentally, both Mizzou and Auburn are nicknamed "Tigers"), I don't see Auburn lifting the crystal football.  The #1 spot could be snapped up by Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, who has yet to decide whether or not he'll go pro.


Bo knows Heisman (1985); Pat Sullivan circa 1971

Neither the defenders on the field, nor the scandals off it could prevent Newon from becoming the third Heisman trophy winner from Auburn; joining Pat Sullivan and Bo Jackson.  There is no denying that he will be considered as one of the best quarterbacks to have played the collegiate game.  He has been to Auburn what Vince Young was to Texas in 2005, and Tim Tebow was to Florida in 2008.

Bo, Cam & Pat: the Auburn trinity

How high he goes in the draft might depend on how he performs at the NFL workouts.  A lot of experts feel that he may have been better served by another year in school.  He may not have the mechanics or timing down (the so called "intangibles"), but these are things that good coaching will usually fix.  Intangibles or not, Newton is a proven winner and he is the kind of player any coach would want to have on their squad.

The rule of thumb regarding the NFL draft is to always go when you're "hot".  If you feel that you're both physically and mentally ready, you make the move.  If you feel that there's things you can improve on or goals to accomplish, you stay. (You can also to check out my article A little bit of defense; a whole lotta Luck to read my thoughts on Stanford QB Andrew Luck; who had yet to make his decision at the time)  

A great college career doesn't always translate into a great a pro career.  I'm sure a lot will be expected from Newton at the next level, and only time will tell whether or not he comes through.  I'm not predicting any future success or anything like that, but I won't be surprised if his star continues to shine in the NFL.  

Tiger Paradise

Auburn and Oregon, while known for the high flying offenses, didn't disappoint in a defensive showdown.  I had the feeling that this is probably how the game would play itself out.  Auburn are national champions because they were more suited to this kind of game.

They had won 6 games this season by 8 points or less (this game would make it 7), three of those wins came against ranked teams.  Another point to note is that all those six teams played in bowl games, finishing with a combined 3-3 record.  This team mirrors the 2002 Ohio State team as well as the 2003 LSU team; both teams won the national championship because they knew how to grind it out in the close games.

What Heisman jinx?

Oregon can hold their head up high even in defeat, because there is no shame in losing to a team that is just as good as you are, if not better.  Auburn seemed to have a little more gas in the tank and were able to make the extra plays needed for the win.  Oregon should be able to make another title run with both LaMichael James and Darron Thomas returning to school for another season.

Cam Newton may not have had his best game, but he surely did enough to get the Tigers over hump for the program's first national title since 1957.  His passing was off at times, but he connected on a couple of long touchdowns and broke off a big run every now and then.  When Oregon linebacker Casey Matthews forced a fumble off Newton, it seemed that Heisman jinx was back at work.  Oregon ended up tying the score, but Newton will be thanking Michael Dyer, the game's Offensive MVP, for saving the day, when he broke off runs of 37 yards and 16 yards to set up Wes Byrum for the game winning field goal.

Wes Byrum putting his foot down on matters.

The play of the game came when Nick Fairley and the Tigers defensive line stuffed Kenjon Barner on a "4th & Goal" play from the 1 yard line.  It was enough to turn the tide in Auburn's favor.  Had Oregon scored the touchdown or a field goal, there is a chance that they might have won the game.  Decisions, decisions; why do they have to be so hard.  Auburn's defensive line worked excellently, constantly pressuring Darron Thomas into throwing the ball early and stuffing LaMichael James at just about every opportunity they could get.  Along with Michael Dyer, they get my vote for the game's MVP.

As far as that Heisman Jinx is concerned (I covered this in an earlier article), we'll have to worry about it next year.  I gotta hand it to Cam Newton; this guy is just a winner.  Forget about all the NCAA investigations and whatnot.  He has won at just about every place he has been.  He won a national championship at Florida (as a backup to Tim Tebow), he led Blinn College to the juco national championship and lifted Auburn to national title.

With the kind of season that he's had, I think he's about ready to cash in on his talents (you can take that in any context that you'd like).  He should most likely go #1 overall, since Andrew Luck opted to return to school for another year (I kind of didn't see that one coming).  Should he leave, it would be wise to say that not only will we be crowning a different champion next season, but it likely won't come from the SEC. 

So in parting, I would like to congratulate Auburn on their great season.  Enjoy and hopefully, it won't be another 53 years before your next title.