Wash St. QB Connor Halliday Sets Passing Yards Record

Oct 4, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Connor Halliday (12) drops back for a pass against the California Golden Bears during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

We all know that Washington State head coach Mike Leach likes to throw the football a lot, but what senior quarterback Connor Halliday was able to do with his opportunities on Saturday vs. California is flat out ridiculous.

In something only accomplished in video games, and most of the time, not even then, Halliday threw for an unprecedented 734 yards on 49 passes and finished the game with six touchdowns in a heart-breaking loss that came down to a missed field goal at the end by the Cougars.

Halliday had already previously led the nation in passing yardage, but this performance put him over 3,000 yards in six games. He is averaging over 500 yards passing per game, and currently has a really nice completion percentage at just under 68 percent with 26 touchdowns compared to only seven interceptions.

Right now, Halliday is also averaging a ridiculous 62 passes thrown per game, but his efficiency has been impressive. NFL scouts are going to have to go back and at least take a second look at this guy, even though right now there isn’t much steam for him as an NFL quarterback. As of now, most consider him to be a mid-late round prospect, but as we all know that is subject to change.

College players put up big numbers all the time, but Halliday is putting up such ridiculous numbers it would be a mistake for NFL scouts to disregard this kid, especially at 6’4″ 200 pounds with a frame to grow into and an ability to hit on all different kinds of throws.

This was undeniably the most impressive passing performance I’ve witnessed any part of in terms of just being able to handle a volume of throws and be efficient and effective. Washington State scored 59 points in this game, and to no avail.

Certainly the NFL spotlight will grow brighter for Halliday, and a performance like this can only help his case.