291 Ballots: Ingram 44.8%, Gerhart 40.5%, Suh 40.3%

We've got 14 more ballots reporting in, but not much change in the vote totals. Mark Ingram's lead is now 4.3% - slightly more than than it was; and Toby Gerhart and Ndamukong Suh are still in a dead heat.

We did some analysis this morning, trying to sort out "how close is too close to call?" The answer seems to be right around 4%.

So, we're going to keep tracking ballots throughout the day - and see if we can't get more clarity.

Here's the regional breakdown:

nameFanFormersWestSWMidWSouthMid-AtlNEUnknown
M Ingram11527777195513533
T Gerhart0959636977362420
N Suh38311257464332621
C McCoy02323714044352213
T Tebow05677312082

Kari Chisholm | December 11, 2009 | Comment on This Post (153 so far)
Permalink: 291 Ballots: Ingram 44.8%, Gerhart 40.5%, Suh 40.3%

Comments

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So are you saying 4.3 is too close to call Ingram?

Posted by: wd | Dec 11, 2009 1:32:42 PM

This is going to be a tough call.....good luck.

Posted by: tkk | Dec 11, 2009 1:32:49 PM

i predict no prediction. lol

Posted by: HEISMANWINNERSSUCKINTHENFL | Dec 11, 2009 1:33:09 PM

CNNSI inconsistencies...

Austin Murphy, has Suh, Gerhart, McCoy but you have him with Ingram, Suh, McCoy

Andy Staples has Suh, McClain, Gerhart but you are missing McClain and Gerhart

Mark Beech has Suh, Gerhart, Spiller but you do not have him on your list

Albert Chen has Ingram, Suh, Gerhart but you do not have him on your list

Mark Godich has Ingram, McCoy, Suh but you do not have him on your list

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/12/09/heisman/index.html

Posted by: Eric in KC | Dec 11, 2009 1:33:34 PM

Ingraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam!

Posted by: 33609Tider | Dec 11, 2009 1:34:00 PM

Well, I guess you can't really claim that you got it right 8 out of 8 years if you don't make a prediction. I do enjoy the stats, though. I really believe you're making your best effort here. I'll check back at the end of the day, and hopefully you'll have enough evidence to call it. It's going to be close, no doubt about it.

Posted by: NobodysFan | Dec 11, 2009 1:34:58 PM

stats only tell you so much. so many intangables factor in to each players quality of play and what each voter values of those intangables also differs. so lets hear some discussion about the intangables.

Posted by: statsrdumb | Dec 11, 2009 1:36:53 PM

stats only tell you so much. so many intangables factor in to each players quality of play and what each voter values of those intangables also differs. so lets hear some discussion about the intangables.

Posted by: statsrdumb | Dec 11, 2009 1:36:53 PM

stats only tell you so much. so many intangables factor in to each players quality of play and what each voter values of those intangables also differs. so lets hear some discussion about the intangables.

Posted by: statsrdumb | Dec 11, 2009 1:36:56 PM

stats only tell you so much. so many intangables factor in to each players quality of play and what each voter values of those intangables also differs. so lets hear some discussion about the intangables.

Posted by: statsrdumb | Dec 11, 2009 1:36:56 PM

Mark Ingram is so deserving and Alabama should have had a Heisman years ago! As a true Roll Tide fan I can say if Ingram wins Bear Bryant will be smiling in Heaven!!

Posted by: Rex Cheatham | Dec 11, 2009 1:36:57 PM

stats only tell you so much. so many intangables factor in to each players quality of play and what each voter values of those intangables also differs. so lets hear some discussion about the intangables.

Posted by: statsrdumb | Dec 11, 2009 1:37:00 PM

Last night Bama got the shaft on several awards at the ESPN Home depot award show which was unexpected since they are the undisputed #1 team. That was fuel for the fire. That should motivate them even more against Texas. So if Ingram doesnt get the Heisman, Texas will get pounded even more so. I hope he gets it though.

Posted by: Rodrigo | Dec 11, 2009 1:37:24 PM

I love how close of a call this is. It is such an exciting concept that even though the projections are almost finished, the top three are all still in it. Its been a blast to watch the progress of the projections. This is far more exciting than just watching the presentation and being mildly surprised at the result. Thanks for the entertainment! Good luck on the prediction! Go Suh!!

Posted by: phlevel | Dec 11, 2009 1:37:55 PM

SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Posted by: Suuuuhperman | Dec 11, 2009 1:38:48 PM

It's looking more and more like Ingram will win it. Going to be a tough call for 2/3, though.

Posted by: Corey | Dec 11, 2009 1:39:38 PM

If this doesn't show just how dominant Suh has been, I don't know what will.

The stats below compare season totals for Alabama's starting 4 defensive linemen, Florida's starting 4 defensive linemen, Texas' starting 4 defensive linemen, and Big Suh:

Alabama Season Totals
98tkl - 23.5tfl - 9.5sk - 20qbh - 5pbu - 0int - 1ff - 3bk

Florida Season Totals
112tkl - 33tfl - 14sk - 48qbh - 5pbu - 0int - 1ff - 0bk

Texas Season Totals
116tkl - 25.5tfl - 15.5sk - 10qbh - 7pbu - 0int - 2ff - 0bk

Suh Season Totals
82tkl - 23tfl - 12sk - 24qbh - 10pbu - 1int - 1ff - 3bk

Posted by: Mike | Dec 11, 2009 1:40:52 PM

How typical that with Bama's best shot at a Heisman in years, the race may turn out to be one of the closest in the history of the trophy. Ingram deserves it far more than Gerhart or Suh, but we shall see what happens. It was absolutely pathetic that Bama players got shut out last night (0-4) on the ESPN College Football Awards Show. #1 team in the nation. SEC Champions. 13-0. McCoy is a good player and seems like a nice guy, but winning 3 awards last night versus none for Ingram was truly wrong. What a joke these individual awards have become lately. Still, I have to admit that it would be very nice to end the Heisman drought at Alabama.

Good luck, #22!

Posted by: BamaTom | Dec 11, 2009 1:44:05 PM

Well, we know one thing, this years winner will not be a QB(thank goodness).

Posted by: Matt | Dec 11, 2009 1:45:47 PM

I didn't even think about calling 2nd and 3rd place. Whew. That's tough. I don't know, realistically how we can expect Kari to call that. I mean, that's just practically unknowable. It truly might be a guess if there isn't any more separation between those two. If I were in your shoes, I guess I'd go with the offensive player simply due to history repeating itself. I don't envy you there.

Posted by: NobodysFan | Dec 11, 2009 1:47:15 PM

It's time to post the projected winner! If you're scared, say you're scared.

Posted by: Randy | Dec 11, 2009 1:47:33 PM

Mike -

as a poster mentioned earlier in response to stats about Suh versus the entire UA D-line:

Alabama had more three-and-outs hence the lower numbers. Make sense???

Posted by: Bryant UA91 | Dec 11, 2009 1:48:30 PM

Ingram deserves it. Keep in mind he probably only played about 80% of the time all season. When the game was in the bag, he was put on the bench so others could play such as Upchurch, Richardson, and Grant. Saban is not like other coaches who will keep a star player on the field 60 minutes when it is not needed. I noticed for example, Tebow, was almost always kept on the field even if they were up 4 touchdowns in the fourth. Im sure that goes the same for Gerhart and McCoy as well. So if we used statistics based on playing time, Ingram would be on top. Still, he has more YPC than Gerhart and less touches.

Posted by: Rodrigo | Dec 11, 2009 1:48:36 PM

Mr. Chisholm,

Are you saying it is to close to call the entire H------ race or just the 2nd & 3rd place finishes? Seems to me that Ingram has taken a lead and slightly increased or held that lead for a couple of days now. The fight for 2nd & 3rd is what has tightened up. Just curious! Go Ingram...Roll Tide!

Posted by: Larry | Dec 11, 2009 1:48:41 PM

I can't believe Kari is not making a prediction!!! What's up with that? C'mon man. Bo up and make the call!

Posted by: Drew | Dec 11, 2009 1:50:27 PM

BamaTom: Ingram deserves it far more than Gerhart or Suh.

Really? That is your arguement? Bama players got shut out because SUH was in the house. Ingram may win the Heisman, but he is about the third or fourth deserving on the list (behind say....SUH, SPILLER, AND GERHART)

Posted by: HunttheMut | Dec 11, 2009 1:51:24 PM

I was thinking that is why we haven't seen a projection. Ingram's lead for the most part has grown ever since he took the top spot. At 300 ballots and still rising, I think it would be safe to say Ingram will be the winner. Predicting Suh and Gerhart for the #2 spot however will be tough.

Posted by: Corey | Dec 11, 2009 1:51:35 PM

For ERIC in KC...some did not want their names mentioned..wanted it sorta private

Posted by: she loves football | Dec 11, 2009 1:52:06 PM

Nebraska Shucks!

Roll Tide!!

Posted by: Rodrigo | Dec 11, 2009 1:54:42 PM

Sounds like this could go down to the wire!!!! I wish I could vote, mine would go to Ingram... he's a hoss...His team The Alabama Crimson Tide were on tv alot so you could see what he does.. the effort he put forth and the drive and determination...

Posted by: she loves football | Dec 11, 2009 1:55:53 PM

Trophys won by Suh so far: Outland, Bednerik, Negurski, Lombardi.

Anyone who thinks Suh doesn't "deserve" a Heisman needs a serious reality check. I'm not diminishing the accomplishments of the other candidates, but truely, anyone who has seen Suh play knows how he dominates a game.

Posted by: HunttheMut | Dec 11, 2009 1:57:17 PM

I think Ingram is the least deserving of all of the finalists...

Posted by: Christopher | Dec 11, 2009 1:57:50 PM

Suh's statistics are equally impressive as anyone on the other side of the ball this season. What makes the numbers jump out further is that he did most of this against double-teams and even more so that this is a defense not geared for Suh to have the big numbers. The Husker defense is designed for the big guys up front to take on blocks and free up linebackers.
Mel Kiper Jr. has been quoted in saying that Suh is "among best players in the last 32 years." He has had him at #1 best NFL prospect all year. If that doesn't scream "Best Player in College Football" nothing does.

Let's face it, if Suh doesn't win, there will be two possible reasons. 1) Nebraska didn't have the overall record for a Heisman winner; 2) He didn't play QB, WR, or RB. It's time the award stop being about those three positions. Suh was the most dominate, the most able to change the way a team played, and had the biggest impact on every game he played in.

Posted by: FootballFan777 | Dec 11, 2009 1:58:10 PM

Mike Rozier just stated on 1620AM the Zone in Omaha:

1) McCoy
2) Suh
3) Ingram

Posted by: Joe | Dec 11, 2009 1:58:23 PM

Ingram would be one of the weakest running backs -- if not the worst -- to ever win the Heisman trophy

Posted by: Christopher | Dec 11, 2009 1:58:55 PM

Ingram is not a special running back at all

Posted by: Christopher | Dec 11, 2009 1:59:09 PM

Ingram is not even the best player on his own team

Posted by: Christopher | Dec 11, 2009 1:59:20 PM

SUH was "the best player in college football". The stats show it, the films show it, and the national media attention for a DEFENSIVE TACKLE show it.

Posted by: HunttheMut | Dec 11, 2009 2:00:08 PM

I do not really care what your thougths are on who should win, but when you here voters say the H Award is a QB, RB, WR award so I put Suh third, they should lose thier vote. The H Award is for the "Best" player. Not the best QB/RB/WR. Typical! I am ok if they think Ingram or anyone else is better than Suh but to vote 3rd because it is "he has not chance since it is a QB, RB, WR Award" should be unacceptable.

Posted by: Matt | Dec 11, 2009 2:00:08 PM

Matt, I could not agree more.

Posted by: HunttheMut | Dec 11, 2009 2:01:32 PM

While Suh put up incredible numbers this season, if any defensive front seven player could ever win the Heisman, Derrick Thomas should have been the man in 1988. If 27 sacks in a single season was only good enough for tenth place in the voting that year, then Suh should be satisfied just to have been considered for the honor.

RTR

Posted by: Bryant UA91 | Dec 11, 2009 2:01:52 PM

With the stats for defensive teams/Suh, and for running backs, I'd like to see it include the number of plays run. For example, did Gerhart have more carries because it fought so many touch games, that it had to keep their #1 in the game? Did Suh get more tackles partially as a result of the hurry-up style of Big12 play resulting in more snaps? Did Ingram's stats get hurt by the handful of drummings that Alabama laid down?

Stats and things like calling Alabama the Nth ranked defense is what has rankled me about football more than anything, including the BCS. It's a team sport, and no one can do anything without a supporting cast. As a Bama fan, I'm rooting for Ingram. I also think McClain is our best player, and that Richardson will be better than Ingram next year. But I'd rather the individual awards go away. I'm with Ingram when he answers every Heisman question with a remark about how it would be an honor to the team.

Posted by: Josh | Dec 11, 2009 2:01:55 PM

Austin Murphy's vote is wrong in your records and Mark Beech, Albert Chen and Mark Godich isn't included on your list yet. All of those guys were on the SI article that just came out.

Posted by: Big_Red_Marine | Dec 11, 2009 2:02:41 PM

Christopher you are a moron!

Posted by: Susan | Dec 11, 2009 2:04:18 PM

Weakest and worst was Rashan Salaam.

Posted by: CoDo | Dec 11, 2009 2:05:15 PM

Ingram had the best soph season in the SEC since Bo Jackson.

Saying his stats might be the worst would be one thing (even though he only had 21 less total yards than Gerhart), but the stats that are most telling about a back lets you know how good he really is. 6.2 YPC, over half of his yards after contact, leading the nation of runs over 10/20 yards. You obviously haven't watched Ingram run much this year.

He would be over 2k total yards with the amount of touches Toby had.

Posted by: Corey | Dec 11, 2009 2:06:48 PM

RODRIGO - YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!!

Posted by: Average Joseph | Dec 11, 2009 2:06:53 PM

Nick Saban doesn't even think Ingram deserves the Heisman

Posted by: Christopher | Dec 11, 2009 2:08:18 PM

SUSAN IS AN IDIOT TOO!!!

Posted by: Average Joseph | Dec 11, 2009 2:09:48 PM

If Eric in KC is correct about the SI voters. And if you include Mike Rozier's vote...that nets Suh +9, Ingram +4, and Gerhart +6 points. Someone may want to make sure thats correct...

Posted by: Joe | Dec 11, 2009 2:11:08 PM

Average Joseph why am I am idiot? For saying your boyfriend is a moron? Sorry I didn't mean to offend your lover!

Posted by: Susan | Dec 11, 2009 2:11:24 PM

Where is it quoted that Saban does not think Ingram deserves the Heisman?

Posted by: Rodrigo | Dec 11, 2009 2:11:39 PM

All of the top 3 are deserving. Suh is a dominant force, and Ingram has talent and the championship game, but I have to give it to Gerhart because it is an award for extraordinary player. If you watch his film, two things really stand out: he gets his yards per carry with a high number of between-the-tackles runs, and he does it on a team where the defenses know it's going to him and build game plans to stop him. But they never did.
His ability to run straight north-south and get that kind of production with consistency is extraordinary.

Posted by: Slim | Dec 11, 2009 2:12:34 PM

OLD SUSANNA - STILL AN IDIOT!!!

Posted by: Average Joseph | Dec 11, 2009 2:15:06 PM

Gerhart? I wonder what Ingram would do with 62 more carries in a league whose top rush defense (Arizona State) ranks 18th nationally

Posted by: Bryant UA91 | Dec 11, 2009 2:15:34 PM

Sports Illustrated Heisman Votes:

Stewart Mandel

1. Ndamukong Suh
2. Toby Gerhart
3. Mark Ingram
Suh was far and away the most dominant defensive player of not only this season, but the past several seasons, and he couldn't have ended the year with a more astounding performance. It is mind-boggling that a defensive tackle could finish with 82 tackles, not to mention 23 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and 10 pass breakups. Gerhart was also the most productive player at his position (1,736 yards, 26 TDs) but not quite as overwhelmingly. Ingram didn't have as consistent a season but came up big against some of the nation's top defenses, most notably Florida's.
Andy Staples

1. Ndamukong Suh
2. Rolando McClain
3. Toby Gerhart
Heisman voters are asked to choose the "Most Outstanding Player in the United States," but they usually only consider quarterbacks, running backs and receivers who also return kicks. If the competition is correctly thrown open to every player, there is no question Suh was the nation's most outstanding player this season. Facing double-teams on almost every play, Suh led his team in tackles (82), sacks (12) and tackles for loss (23). This is practically unheard of for a guy who lines up over the other team's center. Suh has a non-stop motor, and his speed -- he's fast, and not just for a 300-pounder -- allows him to drop into coverage and makes him more versatile than any defensive player in the country. Last Saturday against Texas, he played the defensive tackle version of Vince Young in the Rose Bowl. He almost single-handedly destroyed one of the nation's top offenses, and he nullified major college football's all-time winningest quarterback. If you don't recognize the name of the No. 2 player on my ballot, stop watching the ball and start watching the entire game. I never understood the Heisman push for Ingram, who is a fine back but isn't even the best player on his own team. That would be McClain. After the Crimson Tide beat LSU, a reporter looking for a glowing Heisman quote about Ingram approached Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy and asked, "Is there anybody in the country better than No. 22?" "What about No. 25?" McElroy fired back. Who wears No. 25? McClain.
Austin Murphy

1. Ndamukong Suh
2. Toby Gerhart
3. Colt McCoy
It is the most vexing "elastic clause" in sports: What is "most outstanding" supposed to mean, anyway? Because I choose not to interpret it as "leading ground gainer on the most outstanding team," Mark Ingram is not on my ballot. (I'm nagged by the suspicion that, behind Bama's line, Ingram's backup, Trent Richardson, would be putting up similar numbers.) Because I reject the CW that the winner must play for a national title contender, Ndamukong Suh is at the top of my ballot, followed by Toby Gerhart. I liked Suh before last Saturday night, when he put an exclamation point on a season that embodied "outstanding." I've got McCoy third because, despite his no-show in the Big 12 title game, he put up damn good numbers leading the Horns to the national title game. Nor does it hurt that he's won more games than any quarterback in NCAA history. Sometimes the Heisman is like the Irving Thalberg lifetime achievement award. Hey, eight years ago, I voted for Eric Crouch.
Gene Menez

1. Ndamukong Suh
2. Mark Ingram
3. Toby Gerhart
The two factors that receive the most weight on this ballot are season-long excellence and performance in big games. In both areas, Suh fits. Though he received little Heisman love prior to his 4 1/2 sack tour de force against Texas, Suh was impossibly dominant from the opening kick of the season, particularly against Virginia Tech, Missouri, Iowa State and Texas. Ingram, who played his best in Alabama's biggest games, and Gerhart, who only led the universe in touchdowns and rushing yards, each have a strong case to be the Heisman winner and should make this race one of the closest ever.
Phil Taylor

1. Toby Gerhart
2. Mark Ingram
3. Tim Tebow
Heisman winners should make you say, "Wow," and Gerhart did that more than any other candidate. Not only do his statistics compare favorably with the other main contenders, he also compiled them in a spectacular way, running over and through would-be tacklers all season. Check the video of Gerhart flattening Notre Dame defensive back Gary Gray, or dragging three Cal tacklers for about 15 more fourth-quarter yards. They are plays that will make you say, "Wow." He took an incredible pounding all year as defenses geared up to stop him, yet he gained a remarkable amount of yardage after contact and finished the season stronger than Ingram, Tim Tebow or Colt McCoy, with dominant performances down the stretch against Oregon, USC, Cal and Notre Dame. If this were an MVP award, I would give more weight to the fact that other players helped lead their teams to better records than Stanford's 8-4, but this is for the most outstanding player, not the most valuable, and Gerhart stood out more than the other offensive finalists, who were really more solid than spectacular. As for Ndamukong Suh, he very nearly made my ballot, and I wouldn't argue with anyone who says he should have. But given the traditional parameters for the award, I felt Gerhart was No. 1.
Mark Beech

1. Ndamukong Suh
2. Toby Gerhart
3. C.J. Spiller
Ndamukong Suh led the Cornhuskers in both solo (50) and total tackles (82). Folks, those are middle linebacker numbers -- defensive tackles just don't do that. He was uniformly superb throughout the season, and made his team a BCS contender even though Nebraska's offense ranked 102nd overall in Division I-A. Indeed, because of his dominance in the Big 12 title game (12 tackles, 4 1/2 sacks) the Huskers could have (and probably should have) beaten Texas despite the fact that they never scored a touchdown. Suh's ability to singlehandedly lift his team in this fashion is why he gets my vote over Toby Gerhart, the best player in college football's best conference of 2009. Finally, I remain baffled that C.J. Spiller will not be in New York. Certainly there were games where he did not put up big numbers. But consider this: In four games this season against top 15 teams, he averaged 270 all-purpose yards. His absence from this year's ceremony is a shameful snub.
Albert Chen

1. Mark Ingram
2. Ndamukong Suh
3. Toby Gerhart
I was torn between Ingram and Suh, but ultimately went with the MVP of the best team in America. Yes, the pride of the Tide had one clunker of a game -- but Colt McCoy had two, and against the two best defenses, by far, he played. It also pained me to leave Kellen Moore off the ballot after the otherworldly season he had for a 13-0 team (though I suspect he'll be a major frontrunner for the trophy in 2010). Anyone who thinks that the highlight of Suh's résumé is one brilliant performance in JerryWorld is terribly mistaken -- the second coming of Reggie White has been a force all season long. But make no mistake: Ingram, who shined when his team needed him most, is a deserving winner.
B.J. Schecter

1. Ndamukong Suh
2. Mark Ingram
3. Toby Gerhart
This year's Heisman race has been filled with dramatic swings. If you looked at my ballot from week to week, you would have thought I was making things up as I went along. Every time someone would emerge as a front runner, they would either falter or someone would overtake them. Last Saturday morning Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow were 1-2 on my ballot, but neither played like a Heisman winner in their respective championship games. Meanwhile, Suh took to the national stage and proved that he was the most dominating player in the nation. He singlehandledly changed the course of the Big 12 title game and nearly helped Nebraska pull off the biggest upset of the season. It's not like Suh came out of nowhere; he's been dominant all season. But McCoy and Tebow opened the door and, like he's done to opposing offensive lines all season, Suh bulldozed through it.
Mark Godich

1. Mark Ingram
2. Colt McCoy
3. Ndamukong Suh
The knee-jerk reaction would have been to go with Suh, who capped a brilliant season with a spectacular game last Saturday night. But no player has meant more to his team than Ingram. Alabama would not be where it is without him. And in the biggest game of the college football season, Little Mark responded with 113 rushing yards, three TDs and a momentum-swinging 69-yard catch-and-run. McCoy? He was atop my ballot on Saturday morning and probably would've stayed there with just a steady performance against Nebraska. The winningest quarterback in Division I-A history picked the wrong time to play arguably the worst game of his college career.
Cory McCartney

1. Mark Ingram
2. Ndamukong Suh
3. Toby Gerhart


Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/12/09/heisman/index.html#ixzz0ZQAld2FR
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Posted by: universalmike | Dec 11, 2009 2:19:13 PM

Get a life dumbass! Don't be comparing a one man defense to a team that has 11 stars and 11 subs who can tackle! Take away the Texas game and Suh wouldn't have even got an invite! Virginia Tech thought Suh was better than Cody, but that is undestandable. Suh personally disrupts the passing game. That's not Cody's job in the 3-4 defense. He disrupts the offensive line and the running game, so the LB's and DB's can disrupt the passing game. And bud, not Suh, not nobody can do that like Cody can. But Cody's not even close to Heisman material, and VT didn't think about Suh as a Heisman prospect either. They simply thought he caused them more problems than Cody did. And directly, he did, but indirectly Cody caused them a hell of a lot more problems, to the tune of only 155 yards of total offense! So get off it people. Suh's great, but Heisman? Not hardly! RTR!

Posted by: Crimsonite | Dec 11, 2009 2:19:28 PM

I have no respect for the schedule that Stanford had this year. The only good team they played was Oregon. Southern Cal is very over rated. If Ingram had that schedule, he would have broke NCAA records for rushing. Two teams in the PAC 10 had a combined win of "1" last year (they are not much better this year) and that is only because they had to play each other and we dont have tie games anymore.

Posted by: Rodrigo | Dec 11, 2009 2:19:39 PM

SECfan1 states that "When Alabama needed that all important drive to finish off an opponent they always went back to Ingram."
The facts show something different.
Consider two of Alabama's closer games.
Against Tennessee look at their final two drives. Alabama's second to last drive resulted in the game winning points, a field goal. This was a 7 play drive including the field goal. Ingram did have a carry on the first play. The drive chart does not show his name again. However, it does show a Richardson rush on the fourth play and an Upchurch reception on the sixth play. These players are reserve backs behind Ingram.
Ingram was in for the final Alabama drive. He fumbled the ball and Tennessee recovered at the Alabama 43. Tennessee then scored a touchdown, recovered an onside kick, but missed a game winning field goal as time expired. Not a stellar Ingram finish.
Against Auburn in the final regular season game, Ingram rushed for 30 yards on 16 carries. Alabama scored the go-ahead touchdown on a beautiful 15 play 80 yard drive, on what was their final possession of the game. Ingram's contribution was a 9 yard reception on the 5th play and a one yard run on the 11th play. Richardson had runs on plays number 1,7,9,13, and 14 and a reception on play 12. Finally, the drive was capped with a touchdown pass to Upchurch on the 15th and final play.
Ingram was not a finisher in these two big, close games.

Posted by: joefriday | Dec 11, 2009 2:20:40 PM

@Mike:

You can't compare Alabama's DL against Florida or Nebraska's DL as apples to apples. A 3-4 front is usually about commanding a double team on the interior guy and setting the edge with the two DEs, Alabama's pressures mostly come from their four backers and the nickelback in the 4-2-5.

Posted by: rgw | Dec 11, 2009 2:21:50 PM

I know a lot of people keep making the comment that Alabama's defense produced more 3 and outs during the season than Nebraska's, thus giving Suh more opportunity to pile up stats. But I think it's fair to point out the flip side to that argument: Nebraska's offense was SO inept that Suh and company were on the field more than a defense should be.

Yes, Suh had more opportunities because he was on the field longer. But Alabama's offense could actually score and stay on the field, keeping the D fresh. BECAUSE Suh was on the field so often, and rarely rotated out, should be an argument to how impressive he is. Fighting double- and triple-teams all game, while never getting a rest, and being on the field 70% of the game and STILL putting up those numbers is impressive it its own right.

Posted by: Tony | Dec 11, 2009 2:22:03 PM

How long do you think it will take for the UofA to wrestle the H----- trophy from Ingram so the Bryant museum can finally have an Alabama based trophy on display? Currently, the museum has the H----- trophy of a former player of Bryant from Texas A&M.

Assuming he wins of course.

My bet is the UofA calls him up while he is giving his speech.

Posted by: wd | Dec 11, 2009 2:22:51 PM

the winner receives a trophy and the school receives a separate trophy. Two trophies are issued. crawl back in your hole wd.

Posted by: wd is an idont | Dec 11, 2009 2:26:53 PM

Hate is a dangerous thing... it is all over these posts. Maybe it isn't hate, maybe it's envy or maybe it is just ignorance. Most of you don't care who wins the Heisman as long as it is not Alabama or an SEC team. Envy and hate won't make you folks in the Big 12 and Pac 10 win games, get some coaches, pay them well and recruit better.

Posted by: Gerald Tinnon | Dec 11, 2009 2:28:49 PM

Nebraska did play Virginia Tech as Crimsonite says. They did not do as well though, losing the game and giving up 278 yards total offense. Suh led Nebraska in tackles, including one solo, including one tackle for loss for one yard and a half sack for one yard.
By the way, Ingram had two touchdowns against Va tech.

Posted by: joefriday | Dec 11, 2009 2:32:47 PM

Also, quit making statements that Nebraska's defense is designed to "pin back their ears" and go get the QB against pass happy offenses. The SEC has just as many spread teams and the Big 12, and like someone said above, Nebraska plays a 2-gap system.

Suh, a senior from Portland, Ore., finished the season with 82 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. What's so impressive about his performance, according to Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini, is that the Cornhuskers' defense isn't designed for Suh to pile up tackles and sacks.

"He's supposed to take on blocks and free up linebackers," Pelini said. "But no one can block him."

After Suh ravaged Texas' offensive line at Dallas Cowboys Stadium on Saturday night, finishing with a career-high 12 tackles, 4½ sacks and a school-record seven tackles for loss, Brown said his offense simply couldn't block him.

"We thought [Gerald] McCoy at Oklahoma was as good as we've seen in years," Brown said. "And Ndamukong did the same thing tonight. He was all over the place, and we just couldn't handle him. I tried to find him after the game to wish him luck in the NFL, because I don't want to see him again."

Posted by: Tony | Dec 11, 2009 2:33:15 PM

So sorry to offend you so much. Us Bama fans aren't familiar with Heisman affairs. We only deal in NCs. I take it your H------ hopeful is not Ingram.

Posted by: wd | Dec 11, 2009 2:33:31 PM

christopher...you are an idiot.

I wonder what marks stats could have been if he played the full 4 qtrs of 4-5 of his games. but, i do enjoy the fact that they also have Richardson which makes thier ground and pound game virtually impossble to stop and lets them dominate time of possession.

Heisman or no, 'Bama will be the TEAM to beat in the NCG and in 2010


Roll Tide!

Posted by: Former 'Bama Playa | Dec 11, 2009 2:43:42 PM

and Suh passes Gerhart

Posted by: unknown | Dec 11, 2009 2:44:22 PM

updated 295 ballots now counted

Posted by: unknown | Dec 11, 2009 2:44:53 PM

As an unabashed Alabama fan and alum, I was and am delighted that Ingram is looking increaingly likely to win. The drought went on too long and had the deuce not been injured for part of the 93 campaign, he could have won.

That said - if I had a vote, and if I was being unbiased, I would have to vote for Suh.

Having not seen the huskers play, I was miffed to see Suh leading Cody for a number of defensive awards available. Cody cleaned house as a junior, and I just assumed he would again as a senior - I kept thinking, who is this Suh dude?

Then I saw the UT game and was amazed. Then I saw his stats and was just blown away. 83 tackles is just unheard of for a defensive tackle - not a defensive end, but a tackle! By comparison Cody had 25 tackles this year - and yet Cody is so fantastic as a Defensive tackle that he will be a top 5 pick next year.

Again, I am glad that Ingram looks good to take it and he is deserving in his own right. However, with the type of year that Suh had, I just wish it would have been a different year for Ingram (and that Suh's achievements should be recognized for how extrordinary they were).

Posted by: UA96 | Dec 11, 2009 2:46:05 PM

Ingram drops from a 4.3 lead to a 3.3

Posted by: unknown | Dec 11, 2009 2:46:21 PM

WD,
Well since the heisman committee gives away two trophy's (player and school) it will be on display this Sunday for all to see. Mark doesn't auctually get the real trophy until the awards dinner on Monday...

Posted by: orion007 | Dec 11, 2009 2:46:43 PM

Wow...the guy above that posted the season total comparison of Suh versus the combines tackle totals of the Dlinemen at other schools should be schooled in football defense. You may make that comparison with teams that run a 4 Dlinemen scheme, but Bama runs a 3-4 scheme. Most of the time our DLine is only there to plug holes and occupy blockers so that LBs can make the tackles.

Posted by: hvacigar | Dec 11, 2009 2:46:51 PM

@Rodrigo:

Seriously?

Of the current BCS 25, Stanford played Oregon (#7), Oregon State (#18), Arizona (#20), and USC (#24). Four teams.
Nebraska played Texas (#2), and Virginia Tech (#11). Two teams.
Alabama had Florida (#5), Virginia (#11), and LSU (#12). Three teams.

The schedules are pretty comparable even after you factor in the easy games (Chattanooga, SJ State, Florida Atlantic) and second-tier teams. Who's was hardest? You could probably argue any way, but saying you have no respect for their schedule says you didn't look at it.

Posted by: Slim | Dec 11, 2009 2:48:30 PM

Go SUH!!! In 2nd place and 3.3% behind Ingram!

Posted by: Eric in KC | Dec 11, 2009 2:48:57 PM

Again,
Derrick Thomas was a linebacker! He was the 5th guy blitzing on most occasion unblocked. His tackle total for a linebacker is NO WHERE near where they should be. There are average linebackers who have 150 tackles this year and he didnt even break 100 for a fricken LINEBACKER!

Posted by: Bamabeater | Dec 11, 2009 2:49:26 PM

i would like to know how many alabama games you all watched this year? ill be honest i have only seen 2 games with suh and a 3 games with Toby.. but you people talk about the 19 year old Mark Ingram like he didnt accomplish anything this year but an average season when he broke all the season running records that alabama holds. and has only one carreer lost fumble. and has carried the ball 60 times less than toby and alabama is undefeated and mark ingram is more responsible for that than any other player on our team! and our three other running backs had 11 touchdowns and 1100 yards combined... so i dont know maybe we did alil stat padding for ingram.

Posted by: Mike | Dec 11, 2009 2:49:56 PM

All of you Bama fans need to stop bashing Suh and what he has done as a DT, yes a DT that plays in a Defense that is designed to have the DT take up the OL of the other team so the LB's can make the plays. The problem that teams had/have with Suh though is he takes up his man, plus one and STILL MAKES THE PLAYS AND PUT UP THE NUMBERS HE DID!!!

Jesus H Christ just stop it Bama fans you're all looking like a bunch of homer hicks!

Now for Nebraska fans, STOP BASHING INGRAM. He's a great running back, he plays on the number one team in the country, and he plays in an extremely traditionally tough defensive conference. He may not have the numbers that other Heisman backs have had, although if you go back through the history of the award you would see that his numbers compare favorablly to a lot of prior winners, but that doesn't mean he isn't deserving either.

I haven't seen a ton of Gerhart bashing, basically none from Husker fans and a few negative posts from Bama fans.

Jesus Christ just stop insulting these kids from these teams though. I think that something all of you need to realize is that this is truly a down year for Heisman canidates (at least it is if you listen to the media) and that is one of the biggest reasons why these 3 guys are currently 1.2.3. in the voting.

All three are great players, all are deserving. Although I will say that what I say Suh do to D's this past year I've never seen in my 31 years of watching CFB.

Posted by: T | Dec 11, 2009 2:50:13 PM

For all the people saying that the Big 12 is pass happy and thats what helps Suh out so much and that they have more three and outs...
Alabama is ranked 2 and Nebraska is ranked 18 in third down conversions. That seperation is about 4%. Also, the Alabama defense had to deal with 52 pass attempts less the entire season. 4 pass plays separation a game is not the difference betwee a pass and a run heavy conference. Suh just did better than your line sorry.

Posted by: melvin93duh | Dec 11, 2009 2:50:23 PM

Name G Att Yards Avg. TD Att/G Yards/G
1 Oklahoma State 12 527 2301 4.37 22 43.92 191.75
2 Texas A&M 12 511 2285 4.47 24 42.58 190.42
3 Kansas State 12 504 2159 4.28 22 42.00 179.92
4 Iowa State 12 471 2126 4.51 15 39.25 177.17
5 Texas 13 485 1985 4.09 28 37.31 152.69
6 Nebraska 13 464 1836 3.96 18 35.69 141.23
7 Oklahoma 12 447 1691 3.78 17 37.25 140.92
8 Missouri 12 418 1586 3.79 15 34.83 132.17
9 Kansas 12 379 1345 3.55 20 31.58 112.08

1 Florida 13 521 2928 5.62 26 40.08 225.23
2 Mississippi State 12 553 2695 4.87 21 46.08 224.58
3 Alabama 13 550 2806 5.10 27 42.31 215.85
4 Auburn 12 511 2566 5.02 21 42.58 213.83
5 Kentucky 12 509 2319 4.56 26 42.42 193.25
6 Mississippi 12 452 2209 4.89 20 37.67 184.08
7 Tennessee 12 445 2040 4.58 18 37.08 170.00
8 Vanderbilt 12 451 1920 4.26 12 37.58 160.00
9 Georgia 12 407 1885 4.63 14 33.92 157.08
10 Arkansas 12 375 1632 4.35 23 31.25 136.00
11 LSU 12 410 1555 3.79 14 34.17 129.58
12 South Carolina 12 409 1500 3.67 11 34.08 125.00


Top Big 12 rushing team ends up 6th in the SEC. Top SEC passing team ends up 3rd in the Big 12. Number 2 passing team in the SEC ends up 8th in the Big 12.

So the answer is yes with out question the Big 12 is much more passs happy than the SEC.
10 Baylor 12 346 1207 3.49 16 28.83 100.58
11 Colorado 12 379 1055 2.78 14 31.58 87.92
12 Texas Tech 12 288 973 3.38 22 24.00 81.08

Posted by: Chris | Dec 11, 2009 2:50:27 PM

Passing stats just in case you don't trust me

1 Texas Tech 12 615 410 66.7 4568 7.4 16 35 142.65 51.3 380.7
2 Kansas 12 506 320 63.2 3724 7.4 10 22 135.46 42.2 310.3
3 Missouri 12 436 259 59.4 3420 7.8 9 25 140.08 36.3 285.0
4 Texas 13 498 345 69.3 3636 7.3 12 27 143.68 38.3 279.7
5 Oklahoma 12 468 270 57.7 3342 7.1 14 25 129.32 39.0 278.5
6 Texas A&M 12 450 273 60.7 3299 7.3 6 28 140.11 37.5 274.9
7 Baylor 12 431 267 61.9 2908 6.7 16 13 121.15 35.9 242.3
8 Colorado 12 473 250 52.9 2717 5.7 18 18 106.05 39.4 226.4
9 Oklahoma State 12 304 182 59.9 2214 7.3 10 19 135.10 25.3 184.5
10 Iowa State 12 355 202 56.9 2187 6.2 15 16 115.07 29.6 182.3
11 Nebraska 13 339 197 58.1 2287 6.7 12 15 122.30 26.1 175.9
12 Kansas State 12 298 175 58.7 2033 6.8 8 7 118.41 24.8 169.4


1 Arkansas 12 403 232 57.6 3640 9.0 9 31 154.35 33.6 303.3
2 South Carolina 12 402 228 56.7 2811 7.0 9 18 125.76 33.5 234.3
3 Tennessee 12 375 218 58.1 2707 7.2 13 27 135.60 31.3 225.6
4 Mississippi 12 347 190 54.8 2673 7.7 17 22 130.59 28.9 222.8
5 Auburn 12 331 198 59.8 2622 7.9 7 24 146.06 27.6 218.5
6 Florida 13 328 218 66.5 2823 8.6 5 25 160.86 25.2 217.2
7 Georgia 12 318 175 55.0 2457 7.7 16 22 132.70 26.5 204.8
8 Alabama 13 334 206 61.7 2573 7.7 4 17 140.79 25.7 197.9
9 LSU 12 312 185 59.3 2161 6.9 7 18 132.03 26.0 180.1
10 Vanderbilt 12 352 170 48.3 1766 5.0 10 6 90.39 29.3 147.2
11 Mississippi State 12 265 152 57.4 1717 6.5 17 9 110.16 22.1 143.1
12 Kentucky 12 300 165 55.0 1714 5.7 11 12 108.86 25.0 142.8

Posted by: Chris | Dec 11, 2009 2:51:15 PM

Everyone get a grip. These are college atheletes. Its in no one's best interest to trash any of them. This will be decided by the H-----n voters. Their decision will be final. No amount of comparing statistics and trashing the candidate who is not your favorite will change that. Try to show some class and recognize that the winner is the choice of the people with a vote...and should be respected and congradulated for that. If you don't have a vote it is out of your control...say I don't agree and get over it.

Posted by: betty | Dec 11, 2009 2:51:48 PM

Ivan Maisel (ESPN) mentioned this site in his podcast yesterday with Beano Cook. He misreported your success rate -- said you were 6 out of 7 at predicting the winner, or something like that. Might want to drop him an e-mail and call him out on the error.

Posted by: Alex Yamauchi | Dec 11, 2009 2:53:17 PM

@UA96, I don't think you can even compare Suh and Cody. Suh is the prototypical 4-3 interior linemen. Very strong against the run, but an excellent pass rusher that can press the pocket from the middle which enhances edge pressure's success too. Cody is the prototypical 3-4 nose tackle. He's mainly is on the field to blow up any between the tackle run plays. Most of Alabama's interior pressure comes from the right defensive end who will usually line up in the gap between the guard and tackle.

Posted by: rgw | Dec 11, 2009 2:54:09 PM

In his 12 regular season games Suh averaged .625 sacks per game

Posted by: joefriday | Dec 11, 2009 2:54:39 PM

In games this year against Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Kansas, Florida Atlantic and Louisiana Lafayette Suh had zero sacks

Posted by: joefriday | Dec 11, 2009 2:56:03 PM

In games against Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, and Louisiana Lafayette Suh had the exact same number of solo tackles. One per game.

Posted by: joefriday | Dec 11, 2009 2:57:07 PM

In twelve regular season games Suh had a total of 7.5 sacks.
In one game against Texas he was credited with 4.5 sacks.

Posted by: joefriday | Dec 11, 2009 2:58:13 PM

Crimsonite,
Cause Virgina Tech throws the ball every play is that why Suh was more disruptive then Cody? Virgina Tech runs the ball ALOT! Where have you been all season long. Cody is a turd

Posted by: Bamabeater | Dec 11, 2009 2:58:14 PM

i wonder how much this cluster of SI votes is going to change things since 6 voters are from the NE. i see kari's already got them on his Counted Vote Big chart, but I don't know how many of them were up there before.

Posted by: strong | Dec 11, 2009 2:58:39 PM

In seven games against Oklahoma, Kansas, Virginia Tech, Florida Atlantic,Iowa State, Missouri, and Louisiana Lafayette Suh had a grand total of 5 tackles for loss, 14 yards total loss.
In one game against Texas Suh was credited with 7 tackles for loss of 22 yards.

Posted by: joefriday | Dec 11, 2009 2:59:11 PM

@slim

Arizona is only #20 because they beat Southern Cal, who does not deserve a #24, AP has it about right around #30.

Keep in mind we have 10 teams going to bowl games from the SEC.

Posted by: Rodrigo | Dec 11, 2009 2:59:22 PM

BryantUA91 ... So because Derrick Thomas didn't win 21 years ago, we should repeat the injustice with Suh? Got it.

Of course as others have pointed out, Barry Sanders made a pretty strong case of his own in '88. While the others in the running this season have had solid seasons, none made the kind of statement Sanders did to win the award that year.

Posted by: Kent | Dec 11, 2009 2:59:48 PM

rgw,
Nebraska plays a 2 gap defense. That means Suh played to stop the run while taking on double and triple teams all season long. Cody just gets his fat azz there in the middle and gets pushed out of the hole. He gets all his tackles by falling on the pile after the play is over.

Posted by: Bamabeater | Dec 11, 2009 3:00:16 PM

Mark Beech of SI is right:
Heisman winners should make you say, "Wow," and Gerhart did that more than any other candidate. Not only do his statistics compare favorably with the other main contenders, he also compiled them in a spectacular way, running over and through would-be tacklers all season. Check the video of Gerhart flattening Notre Dame defensive back Gary Gray, or dragging three Cal tacklers for about 15 more fourth-quarter yards. They are plays that will make you say, "Wow." He took an incredible pounding all year as defenses geared up to stop him, yet he gained a remarkable amount of yardage after contact and finished the season stronger than Ingram, Tim Tebow or Colt McCoy, with dominant performances down the stretch against Oregon, USC, Cal and Notre Dame. If this were an MVP award, I would give more weight to the fact that other players helped lead their teams to better records than Stanford's 8-4, but this is for the most outstanding player, not the most valuable, and Gerhart stood out more than the other offensive finalists, who were really more solid than spectacular. As for Ndamukong Suh, he very nearly made my ballot, and I wouldn't argue with anyone who says he should have. But given the traditional parameters for the award, I felt Gerhart was No.

Posted by: RT | Dec 11, 2009 3:02:16 PM

I can't find the stats, but would be willing to bet Suh has a lot more total plays than Cody on the year.

Last year Suh had 7.5 sacks and 19 TFL in 13 games

This year Suh had 7.5 sacks and 16 TFL in 12 games

So the reality is up till the Big 12 championship game he only having a little better season than last year. So with out the Big 12 championship game has he really had that great a year?

Posted by: Chris | Dec 11, 2009 3:02:42 PM

Joe Friday,
Dont forget Suh had FOUR batted passes against Va Tech. Oh and please dont forget to mention the defense Nebraska played against Tyrod Taylor. They had Suh as a spy so Tylor could not run...yes a D tackle as a spy against one of the most illusive quaterbacks in the nation.

Posted by: Bamabeater | Dec 11, 2009 3:03:07 PM

Understood RGW - in the 3-4 it is Cody's job to draw the double teams to free up the linebackers to rack up the tackles (hence McLain leading the team and getting the Butkus). By the same token however, Suh ALSO draws the double teams in the 4-3 scheme which should presumably free up another DL to make the tackle. And yet despite this, Suh still leads with 83 tackles. Just remarkable

Posted by: UA96 | Dec 11, 2009 3:03:17 PM

Mike Rozier and Johnny Rodgers...what are you doing? The Jet says, Suh is somewhere on mine and Rozier has him 2nd...to McCoy...damn it! Thank you Eric Crouch.


Bama fans...this is heartache that you, as of yet, do not have to burden.

Posted by: Eric in KC | Dec 11, 2009 3:05:09 PM


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