Slocum Confident With Stewart at QB

Randy McCown took over Texas A&M;’s quarterback spot after the fourth game of the season and held it until he broke his collarbone against Texas. McCown will be ready to play tonight against Ohio State, but Branndon Stewart will start. Stewart completed 15 of 31 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns in the Big 12 championship win over Kansas State.

“Certainly, the Big 12 championship boosted his confidence,” Texas A&M; Coach R.C. Slocum said. “I think he will play well in the ballgame.

“We will have some bad plays, we know that. I’ve tried to prepare Branndon for that, and going into the game, the first time something bad happens, I won’t be out there to change the quarterback. I’m going to let him play.”

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Ohio State tight end John Lumpkin, on the Buckeyes’ chances for a national title: “We did hold the No. 1 spot for nine weeks. That’s got to count for something. I don’t like to take handouts, but if there are three teams with one loss, we’re just as deserving.”