CFB: Eastern Mich. QB sets NCAA record in upset of CMU
Associated Press
YPSILANTI, Mich. — Andy Schmitt broke the NCAA record for completions, Tyler Jones tied the NCAA Division I record for receptions and Eastern Michigan upset Central Michigan 56-52 in the regular-season finale for both teams on Friday.
Schmitt's 58 completions broke the record NCAA record of 57, which was set by Jeremy Moses of Stephen F. Austin earlier this season. The NCAA Division I record of 55 was shared by Purdue's Drew Brees in 1998 and Wake Forest's Rusty LaRue in 1995.
Schmitt attempted 80 passes and his 516 yards broke the Eastern Michign school record, which he set last week in a 55-52 loss at Temple. Schmitt also threw five touchdown passes and ran for a TD.
"We just kept spraying the ball around and took what they gave us," Schmitt said. "I'm really proud of the way we came out."
Jones 23 receptions tied the mark of UNLV's Randy Gatewood, who set it in 1994. Jerry Rice of Mississippi Valley State holds the NCAA record of 24 catches in 1983.
Jones had 170 yards.
It was Eastern Michigan's final game under coach Jeff Genyk. It was announced that his contract would not be renewed on Nov. 24. His final record is 16-42.
Eastern Michigan (3-9 and 2-7 in the Mid-American Conference) led 42-35 at halftime.
Dan LeFevour was 22-of-38 for 378 yards and four touchdowns and also ran for a score for Central Michigan (8-4, 6-2).
Against Temple, Schmitt — a redshirt junior — completed 50-of-76 passes which both set school records. His 76 passes in a game without an interception also broke the NCAA record. Schmitt also broke school records for total offensive yards (504), attempts, completions and yards passing (485) in that game. He was intercepted once.