In the closest and possibly most debatable Heisman trophy race in college football history, Mark Ingram gave the University of Alabama its first ever winner by just a mere 28 points over Toby Gerhart of Stanford. Of course there are many arguments as to why McCoy, Gerhart, or even Suh could/should have won the award. But did anyone really seperate themselves from the pack to the point that Ingram didn't deserve it? I understand Gerhart had more yards and TDs but something also has to be said about playing in the SEC and sharing the carries with Trent Richardson who could start for most teams.
The couple of problems I have with the Heisman trophy are: 1) so much is based on what you have done late in the season (except for C.J. Spiller) and 2) how can Gerhart win the Doak Walker award but not the Heisman? Same thing happened last year with Tebow winning the Maxwell but not the Heisman. I understand there are different voters for each award but the consistency does not add up. The argument can run in circles for hours and no one will agree on any one player because there will always be bias in everyone's argument (for the most part).
Personally, I am happy for Ingram and his victory. However, it was just a mere feather in Alabama's large cap that has everyone craving one thing, and one thing only...a national championship. Think about the year (and year before Bama has had). The Tide has won 26 of 28 games, back to back undefeated regular seasons, 32-8 with Nick Saban, the program's 22nd SEC championship, six all-americans, SEC offensive player, defensive player and coach of the year, a trip to another bowl, a chance to win its 13th national championship & now a Heisman trophy (first one ever for Alabama). It's the perfect season for any university in the country. But a loss to Texas in Pasadena and the crimson nation will consider 2009 nothing but a failure along with a pretty sour start to 2010.
The speech was amazing. Look at Mark Ingram who is a true sophomore with his father in jail and playing football 14 hours away from home. His emotion, passion, nervousness, innocence, humbleness, pride and joy all wrapped up in a three minute speech in front of a national audience in the country's largest city was possibly the best Heisman speech ever made (off the cuff no less). It's something Alabama can be proud of, yet Ingram just added pressure to his upcoming performance on January 7th when Texas will look to spoil his award and Bama's year.
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