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Top Morning Stories 12/11/11: Baylor QB Wins Heisman; Candidates Debate in Iowa; New Coach at A&M

Texas Governor Rick Perry debated other GOP hopefuls last night in Iowa
Photo by Daniel Reese/KUT News
Texas Governor Rick Perry debated other GOP hopefuls last night in Iowa

Baylor Bear Wins the Heisman

In a first for the university, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III was awarded the Heisman trophy Saturday, an annual recognition of the most outstanding player in college football.  The closest Baylor has come to being the home of a Heisman winner was 48 years ago, when a player came in fourth, according to the Associated Press.  

"This is unbelievably believable,'' Griffin said after receiving the award. "It's unbelievable because in the moment we're all amazed when great things happen. But it's believable because great things don't happen without hard work."

Here's Griffin's official highlight reel.

Perry Has Strong Debate, But Focus Stays on Gingrich

Texas Governor Rick Perry had one of his strongest debate performances yet Saturday night in Iowa, but all eyes (and most of the questions) were on Newt Gingrich, the current front runner, KUT's Ben Philpott reports

"Perry's campaign also acknowledged that tonight's debate," Philpott writes, "and Perry's good showing, could give the campaign a nice bounce heading into a two-week bus tour of Iowa leading up to the caucus vote on January 3." Read Philpott's report from the Iowa debate here

State Attorney General Asks for Stay in Filing Deadline

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has asked a panel of judges in San Antonio for a stay of the filing deadline for upcoming elections for the State Senate, House of Representatives and Congress, according to a release by his office. The deadline had been set at December 15, but Friday the Supreme Court blocked the use of legislative maps redrawn by the panel in San Antonio. 

Texas A&M Names New Coach

The Aggies have a new leader for their football program, Kevin Sumlin, until yesterday the coach at the University of Houston. Sumlin replaces Mike Sherman, who was fired from A&M December 1 after four years coaching at the university. 

"I understand the culture and embrace the commitment by the 12th Man regarding Aggie football," Sumlin said at a press conference. "Aggieland is a special place, and I look forward to working with the young men in the football program and recruiting the type of players we need to be successful in the SEC."

The Aggies are leaving the Big 12 after this season and heading to the SEC. Read more at the Houston Chronicle