QB McCown To Start For Aggies

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

September 29, 1998 / 4:15 AM EDT / CBS Sportsline

Randy McCown has earned the starting quarterback job after reviving Texas A&M's flagging offense last weekend, coach R.C. Slocum said Monday.

"I thought Randy came in the other day when we were not moving the ball very effectively, running or passing, and things seemed to pick up a little bit," said Slocum, referring to the 18th-ranked Aggies' 28-9 victory over North Texas.

Branndon Stewart dueled with McCown for the starting job much of last season but has struggled in the starting role this year. Stewart was 3-of-9 with an interception after finding Chris Cole open for a 60-yard score on the Aggies' first play from scrimmage.

McCown entered the game with 2:39 left in the first half and immediately guided the Aggies to a touchdown. He finished 11-of-13 with a career-high 167 yards passing and two touchdowns, both to Cole.

"Branndon still figures very much in our plans this year. But I think we owe it to (McCown) to give him a chance to play," Slocum said.