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Smith leads WVU over James Madison, 42-12
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West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith reacts after a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against James Madison.
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LANDOVER, Md. -- Geno Smith became the program's all-time passing leader Saturday as he carried No. 9 West Virginia to a 42-12 win over I-AA James Madison at FedEx Field.
Smith threw for 411 yards to reach a career total of 8,191 passing yards which surpasses Marc Bulger who held the previous record of 8,153.
Smith completed 34-of-39 passes, threw five touchdowns, and did it all with incredible accuracy.
The Mountaineer defense was also not too shabby. The defense picked up an interception by Tyler Anderson, registered four sacks, and came up with a goal line stand.
West Virginia scored three first quarter touchdowns, a 2-yard rush by Shawne Alston and a pair of receiving touchdowns by Stedman Bailey of nine and three yards.
Smith found Dante Campbell for a four yard touchdown pass and the Mountaineers took a 28-3 lead into halftime.
The second half revealed a few shortcomings: the offense came up inches short on 4th-and-2 to start the half then gave up a safety when Shawne Alston was tackled in the end zone following the goal line stand by the defense.
Bailey and Smith connected again though, scoring on a 30-yard pass to take a 35-5 lead.
Then Smith struck again, finding Tavon Austin for a 7-yarder to open the fourth quarter.
James Madison kicked a second quarter field goal, scored on a safety in the third quarter, and scored a touchdown and point after with 49 seconds left in the game.
Jenn Menendez can be reached at jmenendez@post-gazette.com or on Twitter @JennMenendez
First Published September 15, 2012 8:07 pm
