While "working" on the internets today I saw this thing which caught my eye...and ripped it out!

Mark Ingram will have to wait at least one week to begin the defense of his titles -- both his Heisman Trophy and his national championship.

The Alabama running back underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday after suffering an injury late in Monday's practice, reports ESPN.com.

How will the Tide make it against that first, rugged opponent?  Who is it?  Hang on.  Let me check.

San Jose State?  They are the Spartans right?  But not like real Spartans.  More like guys who invent Iphones dressing up for Halloween type Spartans.

Relax, I thought.  No big deal. Right up until the time I saw this...

Although Alabama officials are ruling Ingram out only for the first game at this point, it's unlikely he would be able to get back in time for the Crimson Tide's second game, against No. 19 Penn State on Sept. 11 in Tuscaloosa. Saban said Ingram would be managed on a week-to-week basis after Saturday.

Forget the Iphone crew.  Penn State plays football!  Who hit Mark in practice?  Why would you do that?? 

Then I calmed myself realizing that a football season is a marathon (except with hitting and men who weigh more than the average woman) not a sprint.

Plus I remembered this:

09/04/10 vs. San Jose State TV Tuscaloosa, Ala. 6:00 p.m. CT
09/11/10 vs. Penn State TV Tuscaloosa, Ala. 6:00 p.m. CT
09/18/10 at Duke TV Durham, N.C. 2:30 p.m. CT
09/25/10 at Arkansas * Fayetteville, Ark. TBA
10/02/10 vs. Florida * Tuscaloosa, Ala. TBA
10/09/10 at South Carolina * Columbia, S.C. TBA
10/16/10 vs. Mississippi (HC) * Tuscaloosa, Ala. TBA
10/23/10 at Tennessee * Knoxville, Tenn. TBA
11/06/10 at LSU * Baton Rouge, La. TBA
11/13/10 vs. Mississippi State * Tuscaloosa, Ala. TBA
11/18/10 vs. Georgia State TV Tuscaloosa, Ala. 6:30 p.m. CT
11/26/10 vs. Auburn * TV Tuscaloosa, Ala. 1:30 p.m. CT

Penn State is a challenge but really does not matter to the national championship race.  If there were a problem (doubtful) voters would realize that Ingram was out and take an early season loss into account.  If the Tide handles business in the SEC, all is good for a reapeat.

Therefore, Mark Ingram comes back for the Arkansas game.  If he can't, Nick Saban will threaten that its a lock to happen so the Hogs prep for him.

If you are thinking that the Florida game is more likely, I disagree.  Arkansas is a West game and all weapons will be used that can be used.

Besides, it is very possible Alabama gets two shots at Florida anyway.