Longhorns see Alabama’s Mark Ingram as ultimate challenge

The mutual admiration society takes the field Thursday night at the Rose Bowl.

On one side is the Alabama offense, with Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram at running back. On the other is the Texas defense, No. 1 in the nation against the run.

Alabama players offer Southeastern Conference-style praise. “It’s just like an SEC team,” wide receiver Julio Jones said of Texas’ defense.

Texas players counter with country-boy awe. “There are great backs out there, but this one has the title ‘Heisman Trophy winner,’ ” linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy said.

Scratch the surface, though, and you’ll find the Longhorns less star-struck and Alabama raring to go.

“You thrive on opportunities like this,” Ingram said.

The Longhorns are more than happy to present one. They’ve allowed only 62 yards rushing per game this season. Texas also ranks third nationally in total defense, fifth in sacks, sixth in tackles for loss and eighth in points allowed.

All of which comes in a package bundled -- and bundled tight -- by defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.

“I’ve never seen a coach head butt a guy in the middle of his chest before a game,” defensive tackle Lamarr Houston said. “We got used to it, and it’s how we play.”

Asked what he wants Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy to be thinking after the game, defensive end Sam Acho said, “That he has just played one of the top defenses in the nation. You can’t be that as individuals.”

The no-I-in-team approach will be necessary.

Ingram is “very physical with the football in his hands. He gets north and south very quickly,” Muschamp said.

It’s usually more north than south. Ingram has 1,542 yards rushing this season.

“You think you’ve got him stopped for no gain, but it’s second and three,” Muschamp said.

Texas players, though, are embracing the challenge.

“We take pride in stopping the run,” defensive end Sergio Kindle said. “So we’re probably going to enjoy this one a lot more than most because of him having the Heisman and running the way he does. . . . I actually can’t wait to get out there and see what it’s all about.”

Give me that

Texas has forced 35 turnovers, tied with Ohio State for second in the nation behind Ohio University (37).

“We had a lot of chances to create turnovers last year but we couldn’t finish plays,” said safety Earl Thomas, who is tied for second in the nation with eight interceptions. “We worked hard this summer in ball drills. They come in bunches and you have to be ready.

“We want to get [quarterback] Colt [McCoy] back on the field.”

Alabama has turned the ball over 10 times, tied with Cincinnati for fewest among the 120 major college teams.

Ditto

Kindle, apparently, can be a man of few words.

Thomas, commenting on Muschamp’s intensity, said, “Well, it would be 6 a.m., we’re just getting there and he’s already fired up and throwing stuff around the room. He’s a great guy to be around, and I’m just glad he’s on our team.”

Said Kindle: “Same thing he said.”

Asked whether there is more motivation because Muschamp is a former Alabama assistant under Nick Saban, Thomas said, “If you can’t get motivated for this game, you need to pack your stuff and go back to Austin.”

Said Kindle: “Same thing he said.”

chris.foster@latimes.com

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