Mark Ingram received the Heisman Trophy in what has been the closest vote since the trophy was first awarded back in December 9th 1935. Runner up, Toby Gerhart, from Stanford University took second place by only 28 points and 5 first-place votes. The twenty two year-old sophomore from Alabama University was quite overwhelmed, and had to take a couple seconds to get it together before giving out his acceptance speech. The 5-10, 212 pound running back turned tearful during Saturday night’s award ceremony in New York City.

The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award is given annually to the most outstanding collegiate football player each year. While it is not the only award given out to the “best player” of the year, none of the other awards are either as prestigious or receive as much media attention as the Heisman.

Before Florida Gators’ Tim Tebow won his trophy in 2007, no other sophomore had ever received the prestigious award. But it seems like Tebow changed the tide for both 2008 winner, Sam Bradford from Oklahoma, and this year’s recipient, Mark Ingram, who are both sophomores. Ingram will also be the sixth player in the last 7 years to go on to play in the BCS national championship game.

Ingram and the Crimson Tide will face Heisman third place runner up Colt McCoy and the Texas Longhorns on January 7th in the Rose Bowl, in Pasadena, California, for the National Championship. Alabama’s Team is currently in the top seat and the favorite to win the title. Online Sportsbook industry leader, Instant Action Sports, has them as favorite by 5pts, with an expected total of 45. But one cannot take things so lightly. The Longhorns have proven themselves a very strong and confident team this season, and if McCoy can bring some of his charisma and stamina to the field, he might very well guide Texas to a National Championship.

Ingram, who grew up in Flint, Michigan is the son of NFL player and Super Bowl Star of the same name. In a sour note, Mark Ingram Sr. celebrated his son’s achievement from a New York’s city holding facility, for he had been charged with bank fraud and money laundering and found guilty in 2007.

Essential to Alabama’s offense, Ingram has a school record 1542 rushing yards, gaining 6.8 yards per carry and scoring 18 touchdowns. On the other hand, runner-up, Toby Gerhart, ran for 1763 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. The running back from Stanford University is not only a terrific player; he is also an outstanding student. But perhaps Alabama’s excellent season-long performance attracted more votes than Gerhart’s terrific numbers on and off the field.

If we leave academics behind, one must also consider the last chance Ingram had to prove he was worthy of the Heisman: the game against Florida in Bama’s final route to the BCS Championship Bowl. Not only did Alabama’s offense prove versatile and effective against Florida’s then-top-ranked defense, but Ingram ran 113 yards, and scored 3 touchdowns to close his season. Needless to say, many sport journalists (who at the end are the ones who cast the votes for the award) had their eyes on that game, and on Ingram’s beautiful performance.

Alabama’s Crimson Tide coach, Nick Saban, was quite enthusiastic about Mark Ingram taking home the trophy. Alabama’s football program is one of the most respected in the United States, but it had yet to have one of its players occupy a top three position in Heisman trophy history. After the ceremony Coach Saban stated: “The legacy of Alabama football certainly had a void filled”.

Mark Ingram faces what might very well be the toughest and certainly the most important game of the season on January 7th. The Longhorns are a solid contender, one that neither Alabama nor any serious football fan will take for granted. Bottom line is that Ingram, the finest offensive weapon in the best ranked team in the Nation, is due to have an outstanding National Championship game performance to top off one heck of a great season.