Crimson Tide Practice Notes and more

Reserve tailbacks Roy Upchurch and Terry Grant each were withheld from contact during Monday's practice in Costa Mesa. Both wore black, no-contact jerseys as practice ended, through Upchurch was participating in drills. Grant was not.

Upchurch has battled injuries much of his college career, including a high ankle sprain for much of this season. Grant has been out of action since midseason with an abdominal strain.

Cornerback Marquis Johnson continues to practice full-speed with a cast on his left hand to protect a thumb fracture. Johnson is expected to play Thursday.

Mark Ingram on Crying after winning

Heisman
"I just remember, when he was reading the card, my heart was beating in my chest, a feeling that you really can't explain," Ingram said. "It was like, 'I can't believe that happened. I can't believe I was crying.'

"I'm not embarrassed at all," Ingram said. "It was all in the moment."

Ingram wasn't the only one in the Alabama family who shed tears at that historic moment.

"My mom and dad were bawling," said McElroy, who watched the ceremony back home in Texas. "I'm not much of a crier, but I had to hold it back. Bite my bottom lip."

Crimson Tide Gifts