Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1288550
44 NWA COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 9.20.2020 RALPH D. RUSSO AP COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRITER College football loves its awards. Each position has its own hardware and multiple players of the year are chosen, including by The Associated Press. As with everything related to college football in a season already disrupted by the pandemic there is uncertainty about when the awards will be … awarded. It usually happens in mid-December. For now, we will work under the assumption that only players on teams competing in the traditional window for football season will be considered for the sports' most prestigious awards. That could change. Maybe there should be two Heisman trophies this year? So, here are some projections for the finalist and winners for some of the most notable college football awards (plus, the top contenders whose seasons aren't scheduled to start in September): HEISMAN TROPHY Finalists: • Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas. Ehlinger has more than a little Tim Tebow in his game. Does this mean the Longhorns will be back? • Najee Harris, RB, Alabama. Since 2006, the Heisman has gone to two categories of players: Quarterbacks and Alabama running backs. • Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson. The face of college football needs to make at least a trip to New York for the Heisman hand out before he is banished to the Jacksonville Jaguars. • Who's missing? Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields would have been the favorite. The winner will be: Lawrence. FROM HEISMAN TO OUTLAND, PROJECTING AWARD WINNERS AP Photo/Richard Shiro Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Clemson, S.C.