Cam Newton

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn Buzz: Newton's ticket to New York was already punched several weeks ago, but his performance against Alabama in the Iron Bowl on Friday might have sealed the deal for becoming the first Auburn player to win the Heisman since Bo Jackson in 1985. The junior rallied the Tigers from a 24-0 deficit with 216 yards through the air and four total touchdowns. Up next: SEC title game vs. South Carolina at Atlanta, Saturday. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon Buzz: Slowed by an aggressive Arizona defense that left him battered and bruised, James carried the ball 28 times for 126 yards and two touchdowns in the second half to lead the Ducks to a 48-29 victory over the Wildcats on Friday.

Cam Newton threw for three touchdowns and ran for one, leading No. 2 Auburn back from a 24-point deficit Friday for a stunning 28-27 victory over No. 9 Alabama that kept the Tigers on course for a shot at the national championship. Auburn (12-0, 8-0 Southeastern Conference) trailed 21-0 before it even picked up a first down, and Alabama (9-3, 5-3) had a 314-2 lead in total yards at one point in the first half. But Newton, with the signature performance in what has become a season of controversy, rallied the Tigers for a victory that left the Tuscaloosa, Ala., crowd of more than 101,000 in stunned disbelief when it was over.

Bear, if you're up there, "Mama's calling" again. When you coached at Kentucky in the 1940s and quarterback George Blanda first caught glimpse of you, he said, "This must be what God looks like. " It's time to warble another hymn. This is about Alabama and Auburn. It's about Friday, the 75th Iron Bowl, football's top rivalry in years when the Michigan-Ohio State winner likely determines whether Wisconsin or Michigan State goes to the Rose Bowl. Bear, college football needs Alabama to beat Auburn.

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn Buzz: The SEC's offensive statistical leader — first in total offense (303.2 ypg), rushing (117.9 ypg) and passing efficiency (183.6) — should be rested and ready for this week's Iron Bowl. Brushing aside the recent off-the-field noise, Newton could all but wrap up the Heisman with a stellar performance against Alabama. Up next: at Alabama, Friday. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon Buzz: Looking to recover from his first subpar performance last week against Cal — failing to crack the century mark for the first time this season — James will face possibly his biggest test against the Pac-10's best rushing defense.

Ducks superior, but … Chris Dufresne Los Angeles Times It might be the most exciting and high-scoring game in BCS title-game history. Auburn would have the two best players on the field in quarterback Cam Newton and defensive lineman Nick Fairley, but Oregon is the more balanced team. Oregon might score 60 on Auburn's defense, but Auburn might push 50 on Oregon. A turnover here or there and we could be looking at 55-55 headed into overtime.

Stick to the numbers Desmond Conner Hartford Courant It probably already has for some, but not for those of us who believe in the concept of innocent until proven guilty. Allegations are allegations. That's all they are. Cam Newton has this Heisman voter's vote. He has led Auburn to a 10-0 start and a No. 2 ranking in the BCS standings. He has completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 1,890 yards and 19 touchdowns with only five interceptions.

Reggie Bush ruined it for everybody — at least maybe for Cam Newton. Bush smiled a lot, seemed like a nice guy and was, in 2005, the best player in college football outside of Vince Young's inner circle. Who, really, can you trust in a cesspool? Bush turned out to be a fraud — except between the lines — and ended up returning his Heisman Trophy while never quite apologizing for putting the school that made him famous on probation. Bush's taint lingered for years, the purgatory ending in June with the NCAA's declaration of major violations against USC, which was penalized with scholarship reductions, a bowl ban and more.

The allegations against Auburn quarterback Cam Newton continue to proliferate. ESPN.com reported late Tuesday night, citing two anonymous sources, that Newton and his father discussed a pay-for-play plan with Mississippi State recruiters. School representatives are said to have relayed that information to SEC compliance officials in January. One of ESPN's unnamed sources, described only as a "recruiter," said Cecil Newton told him it would take "more than a scholarship" to secure a commitment from his son. Auburn coach Gene Chizik said that Cam Newton will start for the second-ranked Tigers against Georgia on Saturday but said nothing about the latest round of accusations.

With a huge SEC game against Georgia this weekend, Auburn coach Gene Chizik came to the defense of quarterback Cam Newton for the second time in five days following reports he committed academic misconduct during his two years at Florida. "I'm standing up here on a very important week trying to defend something that, quite frankly, is garbage," Chizik said in a statement that kicked off his weekly news conference. "Is there a wizard behind the curtain? I don't know and I don't care.

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn Buzz: Newton guided the Tigers to one of the most impressive offensive displays in recent memory in the Southeastern Conference. The junior college transfer could earn a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist with a strong performance against unbeaten LSU. Up next: vs. LSU, Saturday. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon Buzz: With Oregon's rise to No. 1 this week, the sophomore running back will see more national attention from the East Coast voters.