Heisman Trophy, BCS Title, and Elephants, Oh My!: What a Year for the Tide

Mark Ingram and his Crimson Tide teammates have themselves poised to finish what could be one of the most historical seasons for a team already rich in history. After dominating the reigning BCS Champion Florida Gators last weekend to win a record 22nd SEC Championship, The tide will try to win National Title 13 against the Texas Longhorns.

Odds makers have already set Alabama as a five-point favorite, but it’s the odds set on something else that had my attention.  Mark Ingram’s odds to win the Heisman stand at -150, which is above and beyond the closest challenger’s odds at +220 for Colt McCoy. For those of you who aren’t gamblers that is quite a lead in Vegas’ eyes.

Alabama played its first game in 1892, won it’s first title in 1925 and it’s last in 1992. It’s long rich history is known through figures like Bear Bryant, and great players like the late Derrick Thomas.

That trophy, synonymous with college football’s greatest player, has long eluded the Tide. This year though things have changed. Earlier in the season, Mark Ingram was written off after a poor performance against Auburn, but came roaring back with an impressive three-touchdown game against the Gators last week.

He doesn’t have as many touchdowns or yards as Toby Gerhart, but he has led his team to the BCS Championship game, something Gerhart was unable to accomplish. Ingram went against some of the toughest defenses in the country and besides the Auburn game, proved he could be an effective weapon for Alabama.

The closest player in the Heisman voting came in 1993 when David Palmer finished third. Alabama has had two fourth place finishers, and five fifth place finishers dating all the way back to 1937. Other notable players include Cornelius Bennet in 1986, Shaun Alexander in 1999, ad Derrick Thomas in 1988. In all there have been 16 players finish in the top 10 in voting, but never a real challenger.

With this history and tradition what means more to Tide Fans this year, ending a 17-year National Title draught, or ending the Heisman draught? I know most fans quickly answer the National Title of course, but think about it for a second. How special is lucky number 13 really when compared to any of the other 12 already in the trophy case?

Mark Ingram will always be remembered as a great running back for Alabama, but they’ve had many. The Heisman puts him above any running back to play for Alabama, and maybe any other player to ever play for Alabama.

The old adage "there is no I in team" comes to mind when talking about an individual’s award over a team’s award, but when talking about Alabama there are already a lot of those team awards in the form of National Titles. Fortunately for Tide fans this year they may just get both one this weekend, and the other on January 7, in Pasadena.