Associated Press
ANNAPOLIS, Md. ó Dominique Davis had just set two NCAA passing records, and the East Carolina senior was looking for some props from the man he had just dethroned.
Davis connected on all 26 of his first-half throws to extend his streak of pass completions to 36 straight over two games, and the Pirates rode his record-setting performance to a 38-35 victory over skidding Navy on Saturday.
Davis broke the single-game record of 23 straight completions, set in 1998 by Tee Martin of Tennessee against South Carolina and tied in 2004 by Aaron Rodgers of California versus Southern California.
Davis completed his final 10 passes against Memphis last week, so his stunning first half against Navy gave him 36 completions in a row ó breaking the NCAA mark of 26 set in 2004 by Rodgers, now a star with the Green Bay Packers.
ěI hope he calls me and tells me congratulations,î Davis said. ěAaron Rodgers is one of my favorite quarterbacks because heís a guy just like me, coming from a junior college and going to D-1. Now heís in the NFL doing great things. Itís an honor.î
After going 26 for 26 for 251 yards before halftime, Davisí streak ended when he misfired on his first attempt in the third quarter. He finished 40 for 45 for 372 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
ěI had no idea until after the game,î the 6-foot-3 quarterback said. ěWhen they told me, I was like, ëWow, really?í Itís amazing, but when you do your job and put the ball in your receiverís hands, thatís what happens.î
Coming into the game, the Pirates led the nation with 23 turnovers. In this one, East Carolina (3-4) didnít give the ball away.
But the game wasnít decided until Navyís Jon Teague hit the right upright on a 42-yard field goal try as time expired.
Navy (2-5) has lost five straight, its longest skid since 2002.
ěThis is a tough loss for this team and this program,î coach Ken Niumatalolo said.
The Midshipmen trailed 31-21 with 14:53 left before rallying.