Texas A&M picks sophomore Kyle Allen to start at quarterback

COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Kyle Allen has been picked to start at quarterback for Texas A&M in its opening game against No. 15 Arizona State.

The sophomore Allen, who starred at Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, was competing against heralded freshman Kyler Murray for the starting job.

Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin announced Allen would get the nod when A&M opens the season Sept. 5 against the Sun Devils in Houston.

Allen played in nine games last season for Texas A&M as a freshman and started the final five. He passed for 1,322 yards and 16 touchdowns with seven interceptions. In Texas A&M's Liberty Bowl victory against West Virginia, Allen passed for a season-best 294 yards and four touchdowns.