Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO — Colt McCoy was supposed be a placeholder for Texas at quarterback this season. Now, he’s a record holder.

The redshirt freshman who replaced Vince Young turned in another gritty performance with two touchdown passes to rally the No. 18 Longhorns to a 26-24 victory Saturday over Iowa in the Alamo Bowl.

McCoy had been cleared to play just a week earlier after suffering a severely pinched nerve in his neck in each of Texas’ last two games — both losses. He also ran 8 yards on fourth down to set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Selvin Young early in the fourth quarter that proved to be the game winner.

Vince Young left Texas a year early after leading the Longhorns to the national title last season, and McCoy became the starter before he had ever played a down in college.

“He stepped in a position replacing one of the best quarterbacks to ever play,” Texas coach Mack Brown said. “To regain his confidence tonight shows just how tough Colt is.”

McCoy finished 26-for-40 for 308 yards. His 29 touchdown passes this season tied the NCAA freshman record set by Nevada’s David Neill in 1998.

“Coming into this season all you want to do is win,” McCoy said. “That’s what Vince taught me.”

Texas (10-3), the 2005 national champion, won at least 10 games for the sixth straight season.