The Tide's a-Rollin', Mark Ingram's Carrying The Load

Mark Ingram. The name may sound vaguely familiar, quite recognizable if you're a Spartan fan. His father, Mark Ingram I, played WR at Michigan State, was a first round draft pick by the New York Giants, and played ten years in the league. Needless to say, athleticism runs in the family. Must be the water in Flint, Michigan, where Ingram hails from, and made a name for himself at Flint Southwestern Academy.

Alabama is 6-0, boasting a no. 2 ranking in the AP Top 25, and arguably is the most complete team in college football. Two key wins against Virginia Tech and Ole Miss have put 'Bama right smack dab in the middle of the BCS spotlight, just six weeks into the year. Coached by former Michigan State and LSU head-man, Nick Saban, the Tide are lookin' tough.

Mark Ingram saw a limited amount of action his Freshman year, but he still managed to rack up  143 carries in 2008. 12 touchdowns and 728 rushing yards later, not one turnover. The sure handed Flintstone* has continued to carry the rock safely 111 times, with not one fumble.

(*Flintstone is a term used by many Flint natives when referring to themselves. This term was most notably coined by the incoming Freshman class of 1996, Michigan State Basketball, due to Tom Izzo's incessant scouring of the Flint area for talent. That's a whole other article, my friends.)

111 carries, 7 touchdowns, 659 yards on the ground (5.9 avg/carry), in anyone's book, those are  more than respectable numbers. At times, Ingram's shear ability earns his hard fought yards, or he just explodes for 40 yards with ease. He's one of the most versatile runningbacks in the NCAA, and has received large amounts of well deserved publicity/coverage.

Mark isn't just a "running" running back. He's racked up 17 receptions for 163 yards, giving him an average of just over 9 yards per grab. Not too shabby for a running back. He's taken three of those receptions to the house, giving him 10 on the year overall. It's just six games in, folks. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride, 'Bama fans, it's going to be an exciting one.

Mark was heavily recruited by his father's alma mater, Michigan State University, and went as far to have an on campus visit. Personal matters, the desire to make his "own" name and way, led him to choose the University of Alabama over Sparty. Apparently Nick Saban still has reliable connections in the state of Michigan, and swiped him from right under Coach Dantonio's very eager mits. Good for Alabama fans, not so good for the Spartan faithful (myself included).

I pay close attention to local prep athletes, carefully surmising scouting reports, and looking forward to the new talent coming into East Lansing. Needless to say, I was heartbroken when Mark chose Alabama over Michigan State. With a tradition of solid running backs (Lorenzo White, Blake Ezor, Sedrick Irvin, the Ducketts, Jehuu Caulcrick, and most recently, Javon "the touchdown machine" Ringer), I was awaiting the arrival of yet another stellar talent in the backfield for State. The "Tide" turned somewhere in Mark's mind, and he flew down south, appeasing Crimson Tide fans everywhere.

Ingram is in the thick of the Heisman Race, currently ranked third in most major systems and polls. I firmly believe that he has the talent, and would love to see one of "our own" earn the coveted honor.

In short, all I can say is damn.... Mark, I wish you were a Spartan !