ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE RECORD: 11-0, 7-0 SEC RANKING: NO. 2
AUBURN TIGERS RECORD: 7-4, 3-4 SEC RANKING: NONE
F R I D A Y , N O V E M B E R 27, 2009 50¢
Alabama ’s Mark Ingram on verge of Heisman history By Tommy Deas
Executive Sports Editor
STAFF PHOTO ILLUSTRATION | ANTHONY BRATINA
TUSCALOOSA | There are times when Mark Ingram is on the football field, running with the ball in his hands, and the chaos around him seems to dissolve into slow motion. Through Ingram’s eyes, defenders galloping at full speed seem to be running through quicksand. Blockers appear to be moving like they’re under water. He sees the holes before they open. He spots the seams that will develop downfield before he’s even past the line of scrimmage. “I set it up and it kind of slows down for me,” the University of Alabama’s sophomore running back said. When Ingram is in that zone, he operates as if he has radar built into his helmet, detecting things outside his vision, as if where all 10 of his teammates and all 11 defenders are positioned on the field has been accounted for inside his head. “I know how the line is working, how they’re working up to the linebackers or how they’re supposed to be zone blocking or if my lineman is pulling up to a linebacker,” Ingram said. “I know how all that’s happening, so I take my time and let it happen. “When you get in a zone, when you get in a rhythm, you get about four or five carries in a drive and everything is clicking. You’re getting 8 or 9 yards a pop and you feel like you just can’t be stopped.” Ingram’s knack for picking his way down the field has made him the top rusher in the Southeastern Conference and fifth-best in the nation at 127.2 yards per game, with a per-carry average of 6.8 yards. With 1,399 yards and three games to go, he is just 73 yards short of eclipsing Bobby Humphrey’s single-season school rushing record. And maybe, just maybe, Ingram is on the way to become the Crimson Tide’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner. SEE INGRAM | 3F
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AT A GLANCE
INSIDE
KICKOFF: 1:30 p.m. Jordan-Hare Stadium TV: CBS RADIO: 95.3 FM, 790 AM THE LINE: Alabama by 10
■ THE CALL: Executive Sports Editor Tommy Deas breaks down the Tide’s game against Auburn. | 2F ■ STAFF PICKS: The T-News sports staff gives its thoughts about today’s game against Auburn. | 5F ■ IRON CLASHES: A look back at memorable Iron Bowls. | 7F
Creamy Turkey Sauté
8 slices Zeigler Smoked Turkey Breast 1 T. Vegetable Oil 8 oz. Fresh Mushrooms, sliced 2 Large Green Onions, sliced 2 (3 oz.) pkgs. Cream Cheese, cut into cubes 1/2 c. plus 2 T. Milk 1 tsp. Salt 1/2 tsp. Pepper Hot Cooked Rice Place turkey slices in oil and slightly brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove turkey; keep warm. Add mushrooms and green onions to skillet; cook 2 minutes or until tender. Add cream cheese and next 3 ingredients, stirring until cheese melts. To serve, place turkey slices over rice and top with mushroom mixture.
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