NEW YORK -- Mark Ingram completed the trophy case at Alabama, delivering the first Heisman to a school that boasts one of the richest histories in U.S. college football.
The tough-running sophomore tailback turned tearful after winning the Heisman Trophy last night in the closest vote in the award's 75-year history. Next, he will try to lead the most storied program in the South to a U.S. championship.
Ingram finished 28 points ahead of Stanford running back Toby Gerhart.
Ingram wiped away tears and took a moment to steady himself before starting his speech. His voice wavered throughout.
"I'm a little overwhelmed right now," he said. "I'm just so excited to bring Alabama their first Heisman winner."
Ingram received 227 first-place votes and 1,304 points. Gerhart got 222 first-place votes and 1,276 points, while Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, last season's runner-up, received 203 and 1,145.
Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was fourth and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who won the Heisman two years ago, was fifth.
The previous closest vote in Heisman history came in 1985, when Auburn's Bo Jackson beat Iowa quarterback Chuck Long by 45 points.
Ingram won four of the six regions.
Briefly
A person close to the situation tells The Associated Press that Buffalo coach Turner Gill has agreed to take the same job with Kansas. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the school hadn't announced the move ... Ricky Dobbs ran and threw for a score to help Navy beat Army 17-3 for their eighth straight win in the series. The loss ended the Black Knights' chances of playing in their first bowl game since 1996.
