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Heisman special section In-depth look at Mark Ingram's victory for college football's top individual prize in the closest vote ever NBCSports.com

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Tebow has led the Gators to 22 straight wins, while Ingram’s Tide have won 24 consecutive regular-season games.

Tebow might just need a repeat of last season’s SEC championship performance to boost his Heisman hopes. He led the Gators to two fourth-quarter touchdowns in the 31-20 victory.

“Having a quarterback that’s been there and guided that team down for two fourth-quarter scores, that’s a plus,” Florida coach Urban Meyer said. “But when the foot hits the ball on Saturday, that’s all kind of out the window. You’ve got to play.”

Still, Tebow’s ability to fire up the Gators has left an impression on Alabama players.

“I saw him a couple of times when the defense was going on the field, going and saying something to them, and then they go and get a three-and-out or a big sack,” Tide linebacker Rolando McClain said. “He’s just a great leader.”

Meyer said Tebow has been throwing the ball much better late in the season. He has had a pass efficiency rating of at least 166 in five of the last six games. For context, his season rating of 160.7 is good enough for fifth nationally.

“I think protection’s better, too,” Meyer said. “It’s all tied together. Whenever you throw a ball, you’ve got several different components. It all starts with protection, then you’ve got timing between the quarterback and receivers. It’s just better and everybody’s healthy.”

Like Ingram, Tebow faces a huge challenge against a Tide team that leads the nation in pass defense efficiency. Alabama has racked up 19 interceptions and allowed only eight touchdown passes.

It should be hard for either to put up huge numbers.

Tebow has already lined up one vote, if only of confidence.

“That’s our leader, that’s our quarterback,” Gators defensive tackle Omar Hunter said. “He should win the Heisman. He’s the best player in college football.”

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