Mark Ingram: "I’ll let my game talk for me when I’m on the field.”

[Mr. Sensible]

You knew this wasn't going to just go away this week.

Tide's Ingram responds to Tate's best-back claim

By Tommy Deas Executive Sports Editor
Published: Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 11:02 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | If Ben Tate believes he’s a better running back than Mark Ingram, that’s fine with Ingram.

Ingram, the University of Alabama’s sophomore running back, responded to statements made by Tate, Auburn’s top rusher, staking a claim as the best back in the state. The comments, made to ESPN, aired during last weekend’s game between Auburn and Georgia.

“I know I’m the best back in the state,” Tate told the network. “I bet if you went and broke down film and asked teams in the SEC who is the best back in the state, I feel like it’s me.”

Ingram leads the SEC in rushing with 1,297 yards in 10 games, an average of 129.7 yards per game. He has 10 rushing touchdowns and averages 6.7 yards per carry. Ingram also has 25 receptions for 225 yards and three touchdowns.

Tate ranks third in the SEC in rushing, behind Ingram and Dexter McCluster of Ole Miss, with 1,142 yards (114.2 per game). He has carried the ball 205 times for a 5.6-yard average and has scored eight touchdowns. Tate has caught 16 passes for 88 yards.

“Somebody told me about it,” Ingram said. “Everybody is entitled to their opinion and I respect him. He’s a great running back. I just let my words speak for me when I play. I won’t get into any tongue-tussling or anything like that.

“He’s a great back. He runs hard and I like his game and I respect him. I’ll let my game talk for me when I’m on the field.”

[Buzz Killington]

That's exactly what Tate should have been doing as well.

[Snaggletiger]

Again, they somehow left out the part about Tate hoping Ingram wins the Heisman.  Oh well, just a minor detail.

[Mr. Sensible]

Again, they somehow left out the part about Tate hoping Ingram wins the Heisman.  Oh well, just a minor detail.

Textbooks, fishing trips, and laptop computers - also minor details.

[Buzz Killington]

Again, they somehow left out the part about Tate hoping Ingram wins the Heisman.  Oh well, just a minor detail.

Chiz was here long enough before to know what goes on and give these guys some warning about the media in this state though.

[Birmingham]

Tate's a bitch.

[ibelonginprison]

Tate's a bitch.

So is your dad... but his boyfriend doesn't seem to mind.

[AUsweetheart]

So is your dad... but his boyfriend doesn't seem to mind.

IB, have I told you lately that I heart you?