The talent this year is way down. You are telling me that Collin Klein, a player who has the ugliest release in CFB and won't even get DRAFTED AS A QUARTERBACK, is more deserving? No. He's not. Johnny Manziel will win the heisman, the Maxwell award typically goes to a different player.
I think that Clowney will be better in the NFL than Te'o. But Manti has 7 interceptions, over 100 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles, not to mention at least THREE hurries/sacks that resulted in interceptions. 7 interceptions for an ILB is absurd. Couple that with the fact that his team is undefeated with the number ONE scoring defense in the nation, I think it is well deserving of the Maxwell and Bednarik.
And a coach who brings a team to 12-0 in his third season after going 9-4 and 8-5 is deserving, especially when he is confined to recruiting kids who will keep the school number one in GSR.