“In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends”- John Churton Collins.

Auburn quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate frontrunner Cam Newton knows a thing or two about adversity. His coaches and teammates have endured it, too, they have been by his side through it all.

According to the NCAA, Cecil – Cam’s father – tried to shop his son’s football talents to the highest bidder at the collegiate level. Newton has since declined knowing about his father’s wrongdoings.

In a time of crisis, family and friends come together. The same can be said for teammates. Teammates are extended family. They are the first ones to comfort you when homesickness creeps up unexpectedly, they are there to listen to you when the roommate situation isn’t going accordingly and accepting of the imperfections that we cannot change.

Collectively, the Auburn football team has come together and rallied around one of their own. Together, they have accomplished an undefeated regular season at 13-0 and find themselves in the BCS National Championship against the Oregon Ducks.

Besides his magical individual run at his position, Newton has carried himself in a manner that would make any college institution proud. He has said all the right things. Newton has put the team’s accomplishments and goals ahead of his personal problems. Whatever dilemma he may have encountered behind the scenes is hidden behind that infectious smile.

The statistics are staggering and worth noting: 20 rushing touchdowns for 1,409 total yards and 28 passing touchdowns for 2,589 yards.

Auburn will win the National Championship and raise the coveted glass football. The Tigers are simply a better team. They have been through the rigors of competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Oregon is playing in the Pac-10, a conference that's down this year. Auburn has been challenged throughout the regular season and has mastered the art of the comeback. The better quarterback isn’t up for discussion, Cam Newton wins that category. The similarity? Both have high-powered offenses that can put points on the board. Entertainment will not be a problem.

Newton will raise another piece of the hardware, the Heisman Trophy. He is, no question, the best college football player in the nation.