AWARD UPDATE: Malzahn wins Broyles Award; Newton gets in the fray

Gus Malzahn walks the field prior to Auburn's game at MSU in September.

Hey everyone.

This will be a busy week in terms of awards potentially going to Auburn people. You may know something about The Big Award that Cam Newton will may win on Saturday, but there are plenty of similarly notable honors being distributed this week as well.

Here’s what’s happening today.

• Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has won the 2010 Broyles Award. It’s an interesting twist in that Malzahn is a native of Ft. Smith, Ark., and the award’s namesake, a former U. Arkansas coach, indirectly enticed Malzahn into becoming a coach. (Other nominees included: Dick Bumpas of TCU, Dana Holgorsen of Okla. State, Greg Roman of Stanford, Paul Chryst of Wisconsin)

• As a side note: Is it too early for Gene Chizik and Jay Jacobs to being formulating an offer to keep Malzahn at Auburn? He currently earns approximately $500,000. Is $1,000,000 within reach? It’s certainly possible.

• Quarterback Cam Newton has been named the Southeastern Conference’s top offensive player by the Associated Press.

• Defensive tackle Nick Fairley has been named the SEC’s top defensive player by the AP.

• Coach Gene Chizik has been named SEC’s top coach by the AP. That triggered a $100,000 bonus.

• The Bronko Nagurski Award (Charlotte Touchdown Club) — Goes to the nation’s top defensive player as chosen by members of the Football Writers Association of America. Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley was named one of five finalists for the award. Winner will be announced tonight. (Other nominees: DaQuan Bowers of Clemson, Justin Houston of Georgia, Luke Kuechly of Boston College, Patrick Peterson of LSU)

TALK ABOUT IT IN THE FORUMS