Ash beats McCoy for Texas starting QB job
Sophomore David Ash will be the starting quarterback when Texas opens the season against Wyoming on Sept. 1, coach Mack Brown announced on Wednesday, but Brown added that junior Case McCoy also will see playing time.
Ash and McCoy both saw playing time last season and have been in a head-to-head battle since spring practice.
"Both quarterbacks are good enough to play, and both are good enough to win games," Brown said.
Ash and McCoy combined to start 11 games for the Longhorns last season.
McCoy led Texas to a come-from-behind victory over Texas A&M before throwing four interceptions in a loss to Baylor.
Ash, who struggled earlier in the season in losses to Missouri and Kansas State, was selected to start the Holiday Bowl against California.
Although Ash is considered more athletic and brings a running option to the position, McCoy posted better passing statistics in 2011, with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. Ash had four touchdown passes and threw eight interceptions.
Texas, which was 8-5 last season, enters the season ranked 15th in the Associated Press poll.