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No Heisman Trophy for Clemson's C. J. Spiller, but he was certainly the most electrifying player in 2009, says NBCSports.com College Football Expert Joey Johnston.

Coach of the year
Al Golden, Temple. Lots of candidates here, including some going for championships and BCS bowl victories, but let’s go with a guy who pulled off the near-impossible. Temple, remember, was one of the nation’s worst programs and it was even kicked out of the Big East for non-competitiveness. Now the Owls are 9-3, a factor in the Mid-American Conference and bowl bound.

Most unlikely hero
Ohio State place-kicker Devin Barclay, who hit the game-winning field goal against Iowa, sending the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl. Barclay, 26, is a former professional soccer player.

Best recovery
Connecticut tailed off into a three-game losing streak following the heart-wrenching death of Jasper Howard and the season seemed to be slipping away. But the Huskies (7-5) finished with a three-game winning streak, including a riveting 33-30 overtime victory at Notre Dame, to earn a bowl bid.

Best recovery (runner-up)
The Nevada Wolf Pack (8-4) were 0-3, then went on an eight-game winning streak to finish as the WAC’s best team not named Boise State.

Worst collapse
The Michigan Wolverines began 4-0, then lost seven of their last eight games, including five straight, to finish 5-7. Welcome to Year Three, Coach Rich Rodriguez, where you will be performing without a safety net.

Worst collapse (runner-up)
The Kansas Jayhawks opened 5-0, then it came apart rapidly with a season-closing seven-game losing streak. Along the way, Coach Mark Mangino shifted to embattled status, fighting off charges of abuse from former players, and resigned.

Most stunning no-show
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish seemed to have a schedule set up for 10-2 and a BCS bowl bid. Instead, the Irish fell apart down the stretch, losing four straight games and forcing the firing of Coach Charlie Weis.

Farewell award
Florida State coach Bobby Bowden is leaving — more accurately, pushed toward the door — after 34 sterling seasons with the Seminoles. When Bowden took over in 1976, the program was in disarray. He transformed it into a dynasty, compiling a run that will never be equaled (14 straight seasons with at least 10 victories and a top-five finish, along with two national championships). The Seminoles are just 6-6 heading to the Gator Bowl, Bowden’s final game, and the Florida Gators have firm control of the state. The final act wasn’t what Bowden had in mind. But let’s not forget the bigger picture. Thanks for the memories, Bobby.

More news

AP

Slain UConn CB's family wants $5M

CFT: Stabbed to death following an altercation at a school-sponsored dance in October 2009, Jasper Howard‘s parents are seeking significant financial compensation for the parties they believe are at least partly responsible.

CFT: SEC's Slive no fan of plus-one playoff model

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