Did Mark Ingram Ultimately Cost Trent Richardson the Heisman Trophy?

Trent Richardson produced one of the best seasons at the running back position in Alabama Crimson Tide history. There has been a wealth of talent that has come out of Alabama in years past, but this season was above and beyond what any other back has done for the Tide.

With a severe lack of efficiency in the passing game, the Tide relied heavily on Richardson to carry the weight of the offense and be the major playmaker that the Tide offense could lean on to rack up yards and victories in 2011.

There were a number of games that Richardson took over the contest and a few times that he displayed his skills in a Heisman-winning type way. Richardson was undoubtedly one of the best performers in the country, and a lot of voters and pundits felt the same way.

With Richardson’s strong performances over and over again this season, how could he not even be in the top two of the Heisman balloting?

Just one week ago, most projections had him in the lead or in a close second as Robert Griffin III continued to make his way to the top.

The final voting numbers finished in this order:

1. Robert Griffin III—1,687
2. Andrew Luck—1,407
3. Trent Richardson—978

It is easy to see that Richardson was nowhere near the top of the final ballots and was far from convincing enough to make it a three-horse race to the finish. With all of the hype that seemed to surround him and Alabama’s season all year long, it is surprising to not see his name in the top two.

What would cause the national apparent change of perception as to his Heisman status?

Has it become a catch-22 to play in the SEC, where the national disgust causes animosity, or was it simply that just two years ago another Alabama back won the biggest award in college football?

Looking at the final results and Richardson’s lack of votes, it appears to be a three-part combo that kept him from the top. Griffin III was that good, Ingram took the win two years ago and the field of finalists was much stronger than in 2009.

Robert Griffin III Was That Good

Before anything else is mentioned as to why Richardson didn’t win this year’s Heisman, you have to look at Robert Griffin III and his season at Baylor.

Griffin III put up stats that were as impactful as Cam Newton at Auburn last season, as he was just as electric and controlled the field once his cleats hit the grass.

Griffin III was a leader in the Big 12 and won numerous games that he shouldn’t have. He even returned to a game after sustaining injury to score a quick 10-yard touchdown on a quarterback keeper. Griffin III is a perfect example of how one player can impact his team and turn a pretender into a contender overnight.

Mark Ingram Won Two Seasons Ago

The college football world is just two years removed from Mark Ingram’s Heisman-winning season at Alabama. That memory is still very fresh in the minds of the voters and the fans around the country.

Ingram was a major part of the success that Alabama had in 2009, helping guide the Tide to their first national title in the 2000s.

Richardson has played an equally important role in the Tide offense this season and is very likely to finish with better numbers than Ingram once the season comes to a close. Despite the better numbers and possibly equal success, Richardson found himself in a shadow that was still too new to forget.

The Field of Finalists was Stronger than in 2009

The final reason behind Richardson’s apparent decline and third-place finish in the Heisman balloting was that the field of competitors was much stronger than when Ingram was in the game in 2009.

Robert Griffin III may finish as one of the best quarterbacks in college football history, with numerous records in tow. Andrew Luck is still regarded by some as the best quarterback in the country.

Montee Ball has rushed for more yards and touchdowns than Richardson—and it’s not even close. Ball does have a better surrounding cast and deflection in Russell Wilson, however.

Finally, Tyrann Mathieu is arguably the most explosive player in the game right now.

Couple the talent that surrounded Richardson on the finalist list with the “not again” whispers across the country, and it is easy to see why Richardson was unable to take home the hardware.