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Texas A&M sinks Texas; Franchione steps down

Nov 24, 2007 - 3:46 AM COLLEGE STATION, Texas (Ticker) -- Stephen McGee ruined Texas' conference title hopes and sent coach Dennis Franchione out with a win.

McGee threw three touchdown passes and ran for another as unranked Texas A&M defeated rival Texas, 38-30, in their annual Big 12 South Conference tilt on Friday.

McGee and Texas A&M had extra motivation in wanting to play well for Franchione, who stepped down following the win.

Franchione's last win was memorable thanks to McGee, who completed 25-of-36 passes for a career-high 362 yards with two interceptions for the Aggies (7-5, 4-4 Big 12 South), who are bowl-eligible and spoiled Texas' shot at the Big 12 South title.

"This team has been special all year to me," Franchione said. "And I thought they played a wonderful game."

Franchione's departure comes as no surprise. There had been widespread speculation that his contract would be bought out after it was reported last month that he was allegedly selling inside information to boosters in a newsletter in order to finance his personal web site.

"Kim (my wife) and I have arrived at the decision to step down as head football coach out of respect and love for our players, for this university and its football program," Franchione said in a statement. "I've always said that coaches exist for only one reason - the players. We have an outstanding group of young men on this team and especially great people.

"We want them to know that we love them, feel blessed for our time together, and will miss them.

According to the the school's newspaper the Bryan-Station College Eagle, Franchione's resignation is effective immediately. The 56-year-old Franchione's contract ran through 2012 and he leaves nearly $10 million on the table.

"We appreciate the opportunity we have had at this great institution to work with this administration, the people throughout this department and campus, and the former students," Franchione said said. "We have made many lasting friendships. ... We have enjoyed 35 years in coaching, and we will consider our time in Aggieland to be a rewarding part. We wish the best to everyone here. Thanks and Gig' Em!"

The result of the game was overshadowed by Franchione's announcement, but it was a good one.

Mike Goodson caught two scores and Earvin Taylor put the game out of reach with a 66-yard touchdown grab for Texas A&M, which beat the Longhorns for the second consecutive season.

Texas quarterback Colt McCoy struggled, going 17-of-32 for 229 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Longhorns (9-3, 5-3 South), who needed a win and a loss by No. 10 Oklahoma to secure the title.

Texas trailed, 17-3, at the break and could only get as close as 24-17 on a 91-yard third-quarter kickoff return by receiver Quan Cosby with 4:00 left in the period.

"Offensively, I don't think we were as consistent as we should have been," McCoy said. "At the end of the game, we put our offense together but it wasn't enough. We were inconsistent up front. In the second half we got a little more consistent and it put us back the game. They gave us a lot of trouble in the first half."

McGee answered the kick return by hitting Goodson for a 44-yard score to stretch the lead to 14 at the start of the fourth. He then helped put the game out of reach with a 66-yard pass to Taylor to put the Aggies up, 38-17, with 11:50 left in the fourth.

The Longhorns, who had their five-game winning streak snapped, tried to rally but fell short. McCoy hit Jordan Shipley for a 28-yard touchdown and Chris Ogbonnaya scored from 5 yards out to make the score 38-30, but Matt Szymanski missed the extra point.

Texas A&M recovered a pooch kickoff and then ran out the clock.

The Aggies outgained the Longhorns, 536-362, and converted 10-of-18 third downs to snap a three-game losing streak.

Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne voice his support for Franchione following the announcement he would step down.

"I want to express my respect and gratitude to Coach Franchione for his courage in making this decision, and putting the interests of his players and this institution ahead of his own interests," Byrne said in a statement. "With regards to Coach Franchione, we are now convinced that he did not intentionally, knowingly, or directly participate in actions that were inappropriate or in violation of rules or policies.

"We do believe that Coach Franchione was guilty of inadequate supervision and oversight."