As college football enters the month of November, Alabama star running back, Mark Ingram, is considered an early finalist for the coveted Heisman Trophy. However, for Crimson Tide coaches, players, and fans, Mark Ingram is the driver of the 13th national championship brigade.
Coach Nick Saban and Mark Ingram
In 2007, the University of Alabama hired Coach Nick Saban with the aspiration of returning the Tide to the glory days of old. With dreams of the next “Bear Bryant” just right around the corner, Nick Saban has delivered on his lofty expectations. For the second consecutive year, the Alabama Crimson Tide are positioned for an SEC title…as well as national title.
Mark Ingram is certainly a product of Nick Saban’s recruiting, as well as football philosophy. Saban has a knack for “weeding out” those who want to play…and those who want to watch. Ingram has certainly bought in to the Alabama philosophy and offensive system and has thus been catapulted into the national picture, and could possibly be the recipient of many treasured individual awards this season.
Ingram recently had a career-high 246 rushing yards against South Carolina and has simply “taken over the game” many times this season when the offense has been less than glamorous.
Mark Ingram, Heisman Trophy, Alabama Crimson Tide
In the illustrious lore of Alabama Crimson Tide football, the Heisman Trophy has been an illusive award. No Alabama player has ever received the Heisman, but ‘Bama fans have high hopes for Mark Ingram.
Even though (by many accounts) the award has lost some luster over the years, the Heisman Trophy is still regarded in very high status by the player himself. If the award is truly based on the importance of the individual player to his team, then Mark Ingram should definitely be a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Over the course of November and early December, Ingram will certainly have a chance to showcase his talent on a national stage. Most notably, Alabama must play the LSU Tigers, Mississippi State Bulldogs, and close the regular season with arch rival Auburn. Each game will be vital to the success of the team, but also the success of Ingram in respect to personal accolades.
If the Crimson Tide can remain solid through the month of November, the SEC title game with the Florida Gators will certainly be the ultimate showdown, not only for Ingram, but also for the Alabama national title aspirations. If the Crimson Tide can defeat Florida, a trip to Pasadena and the national championship game will be an assurance.
The future for Alabama and Mark Ingram has yet to be written, but if Alabama beats Florida, get the quill ready to write…and make sure Bear Bryant has a front row seat.
