Mark Ingram Grabs Heisman Trophy

The University of Alabama running back Mark Ingram won the university’s first Heisman Trophy. Bloomberg said:

In the closest race ever for the Heisman, Ingram beat out Stanford University quarterback Toby Gerhart, University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, University of Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.

“I’m glad to bring Alabama its first Heisman winner,” Ingram said. “I’m looking forward to being a member of the Heisman family. Walking to class, the students have been flashing me the Heisman pose.”

The blog Your World and My World says, Ingram, “A sophomore, rushed for 1,542 yards this season, an Alabama record, and 15 touchdowns.”

ESPN gives the stats:

Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was fourth and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who won the Heisman two years ago, was fifth.

The previous closest vote in Heisman history came in 1985, when Auburn’s Bo Jackson beat Iowa quarterback Chuck Long by 45 points.

Ingram won four of the six regions. Gerhart took the far west and Suh won the southwest.

Ingram has been the backbone of Alabama’s offense all season, rushing for a school-record 1,542 yards, gaining 6.2 yards per carry and scoring 18 touchdowns.

And in his final chance to make a case for the Heisman, facing Florida’s then-top-ranked defense, Ingram ran for 113 yards and scored three touchdowns to punctuate his season.

The win sent the top-ranked Crimson Tide to the BCS national title game against McCoy and No. 2 Texas on Jan. 7 at the Rose Bowl.