D-III: Linfield Crushes Rowan for Title Berth, 52-0

[DJRamFan]

Linfield's Brett Elliott broke the NCAA single-season touchdown record

Dec. 11, 2004


McMINNVILLE, Ore. (AP) - Brett Elliott broke the NCAA single-season touchdown record, throwing for 254 yards and three TDS to help Linfield rout Rowan 52-0 on Saturday in the Division III semifinals.

Elliott, a junior transfer from Utah, connected with Brad McKechnie in the first quarter for his 57th touchdown pass of the season, breaking the record set by former Mississippi Valley State quarterback Willie Totten in 1984.

"He's the best quarterback we've played this year by far," Rowan safety Eric Bailey said. "His accuracy and his arm strength are amazing. He impressed us."

Elliott added TD strikes of 28 and 51 yards to George Carter to extend the record to 59.

"Individual records are a reflection on the team," Elliott said. "We have one more game, and then after that all the records I can tell my kids about or something."

The Wildcats (12-0) will face Mary Hardin-Baylor in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl next Saturday in Salem, Va.

The Profs (10-3) had four turnovers and managed just 198 total yards. Mike Orihel completed 11 of 26 passes for 87 yards.

Linfield, which won three NAIA Division II titles in the 1980s, rolled up 505 total yards and had 20 first downs.

Elliott transferred to Linfield after being supplanted as Utah's starting quarterback by Heisman Trophy finalist Alex Smith last year. Elliott has passed for 4,313 yards this season, completing 67 percent of his attempts.