Mark Ingram named SEC Off. Player of the Week

Alabama Crimson Tide football player Mark Ingram earned SEC Player of the Week honors for his performance against Virginia Tech. Here is the official release from UA:

TUSCALOOSA – Alabama freshman running back Mark Ingram was named to the Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week, the league office announced this morning.

Ingram rushed 26 times for a career-high 150 yards and one touchdown in Alabama’s season-opening win over Virginia Tech. His previous rushing high was 113 yards against Arkansas State in 2008.

He also added three catches for 35 yards and one touchdown. He finished the game with a career-high 185 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. His 6-yard rushing touchdown put Alabama ahead 24-17 early in the fourth quarter. His 18-yard touchdown catch with 6:35 left in the game, gave the Tide the final margin, 34-24.

The Flint, Mich., native accounted for 99 total yards and two touchdowns in UA’s decisive fourth quarter. He ran the ball 10 times for 81 yards and one TD and added an 18-yard TD reception.

Alabama senior offensive lineman Mike Johnson received honorable mention honors by the SEC Office for his play against Virginia Tech. The senior played all 79 offensive snaps and helped the Tide to 498 total yards and 37:02 in time of possession against the Hokies. He also did not allow a sack.

The Alabama coaching staff recognized five players of the week following the Crimson Tide’s 34-24 win over No. 7 Virginia Tech in Atlanta on Saturday.

Ingram and Greg McElroy shared offensive honors. Ingram rushed for 150 yards and a touchdown while catching three passes from McElroy for 35 yards and a score. McElroy completed 15-of-30 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also ran eight times for 38 yards.

Rolando McClain was the defensive player of the week after recording two sacks (-19 yards) and five total tackles. The Tide defense held Virginia Tech to 155 total yards and no third down conversions on 12 attempts.

P.J. Fitzgerald and Brian Selman shared the special teams’ award. Selman was again perfect on 13 snapping opportunities, recovered a fumble after hustling down on punt coverage and down another punt inside the Virginia Tech 5-yard line. Fitzgerald averaged 44.8 yards on five punts with a long of 53 yards while pinning the Hokies inside the 20-yard line three times.