September 06, 1997
Slocum continues season-opening success --- With the Aggie victory, A&M head coach R.C. Slocum improved his record in season-opening games to 8-1. Slocum?s only opening day loss was last season?s 41-37 loss to Brigham Young. Prior to Slocum?s head coaching debut in 1989, the Aggies had lost four straight openers. Slocum has tallied season-opening wins over Louisiana State (five times), Stanford and Hawaii.
Bearcats play before their largest-ever crowd --- Today?s attendance of 58,619 marks the largest-ever crowd to watch a Sam Houston State football game.
Curry Nabs first career interception --- In the third quarter, sophomore cornerback Cedric Curry nabbed his first career interception.
Hall posts fourth career 100-yard rushing game --- Sophomore running back Dante Hall rushed for 169 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, his fourth career 100-yard game. Hall finished with a career-high 221 all-purpose yards (29 KR, 23 PR). He had 216 all-purpose yards last season against Texas Tech.
Parker tallies three touchdowns --- Junior running back Sirr Parker rushed for 49 yards and a career-high three touchdowns on 8 carries. Coming into today?s game, Parker had rushed for only four scores in 23 previous games, including just two touchdowns last season.
Bradley, Rhodes make impressive debuts --- Heralded freshmen Roylin Bradley and Burnest Rhodes made impressive collegiate debuts. Bradley posted two quarterback sacks and Rhodes rushed for 35 yards and one touchdown on 7 carries.
Williams scores first career touchdown --- Junior running back Michael Williams scored his first career touchdown on a nine-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Bryant continues hot streak -- Senior placekicker Kyle Bryant had a perfect afternoon, making 8-of-8 extra points and making his only field goal attempt from 40 yards. Bryant has made 19-of-24 since the start of last season and has made 27-of-33 since late in his sophomore season (including 5-of-6 against Michigan in the 1995 Alamo Bowl). Bryant now has made 43 career field goals, tying for second on A&M?s career chart with David Hardy (1979-82). Tony Franklin (1975-78) is the career leader with 56 treys. Bryant?s 11 points today gives him 234 in his career and moves him past Joel Hunt (224 points in 1925-27) into fifth on the A&M list.
McCown sets career highs -- Sophomore quarterback Randy McCown, sharing time with starter Branndon Stewart, completed a career-high 7-of-14 passes for a career-best 148 yards and also rushed three times for 21 yards.