NC State Football All-Time Records: Passing Records

The #17 is number that will permanently be etched in the hearts of all Wolfpack fans. Philip Rivers infamous number will also never be worn again by any player that dons the Red and White. Rivers is the Poster Child for NC State Football and one could argue that there has never been a better player to come through our program. He managed to shatter the NC State and ACC record books, and put a decent dent in the freakin NCAA record books. This 2003 ACC Player of the Year literally never missed a beat for the Pack: the guy never missed a single game (He played in all 51 games). When Philip exited to the NFL, he did so in style, leaving 2nd in NCAA History in passing yards (13,494) and 5th in TD passes (95). His Senior Season also led the NCAA in a couple categories that season as well: Completion percentage (72%) and Passing Efficiency Rating (170.49). Philip is one of only 7 players to ever throw for over 3,000 yards in 3 separates seasons.

Well, this article isn't intended to be solely a Philip Rivers tribute, but when you write an article on the history of the QB position at NC State, he takes up a decent chunk of the history. But Philip was not the first Signal Caller to gain All-American accolades. The first to do so was Roman Gabriel (1959-61), and his #18 proudly hangs retired in Carter-Finley. This 2-Time 1st Team All-American (1960 and 61) brought home the ACC POY award twice (1960 and 61) and was also an Academic All-American in 1960. Gabriel is probably the most prolific Quarterback that our program has ever spawned out. He went on to get selected to 3 Pro Bowls and was also the NFL MVP in 1969.

The third most note-worthy Pack QB would have to be Erik Kramer who had a 10 year career in the NFL.

Here is a breakdown of NC State's All-Time Passing Records:


Passing Yards in a Career
1. Philip Rivers - 13,484 (2000-03)
2. Jamie Barnette - 9,461 (96-99)
3. Terry Harvey - 5,925 (93-95)
4. Shane Montgomery - 5,298 (87-89)
5. Erik Kramer - 4,602 (85-86)
6. Dave Buckey - 4,286 (72-75)
7. Daniel Evans - 4,004 (05-08)
8. Tim Esposito - 3,873 (83-84)
9. Terry Jordan - 3,695 (89-92)
10. Jay Davis - 3,548 - (02-05)

Passing Yards in a Game
1. Shane Montgomery - 535 - 1989 (Duke)
2. Philip Rivers - 475 - 2003 (Kansas)
3. Jamie Barnette - 469 - 1998 (Baylor)
4. Shane Montgomery - 468 - 1987 (Duke)
5. Philip Rivers - 433 - 2003 (Wake Forest)

Passing Yards in a Season
1. Philip Rivers - 4,491 - 2003
2. Philip Rivers - 3,353 - 2002
3. Jamie Barnette - 3,169 - 1998
4. Philip Rivers - 3,054 - 2000
5. Shane Montgomery - 2,632 - 1989

Completion Percentage for a Season
1. Philip Rivers - 72.1% - 2003
2. Philip Rivers - 65.2% - 2001
3. Dick Buckey - 64.8% - 1974
4. Terry Jordan - 64.1% - 1992
5. Philip Rivers - 62.7% - 2002

Completion Percentage for a Career
1. Philip Rivers - 63.6% (2000-03)
2. Terry Harvey - 60.1% (89-92)
3. Dave Buckey - 57.8% (72-75)
4. Jay Davis - 57.7% (02-05)
5. Tim Esposito 56.9% (83-84)

Career Passing Efficiency Rating
1. Philip Rivers - 144.16 (2000-03)
2. Dave Buckey - 133.12 (72-75)
3. Terry Harvey - 128.71 (93-95)
4. Terry Jordan - 127.19 (90-92)
5. Jamie Barnette - 124.41 (96-99)

(Russell Wilson had a Passing Efficiency Rating of 133.93)

Passing Touchdowns in a Career
1. Philip Rivers - 95 (2000-03)
2. Jamie Barnette - 59 (96-99)
3. Terry Harvey - 38 (93-95)
4. Shane Montgomery - 31 (87-89)
5. Erik Kramer - 30 (85-86)

Passing Touchdowns in a Season
1. Philip Rivers - 34 - 2003
2. Philip Rivers - 25 - 2000
3. Philip Rivers - 20 - 2002
4. Jamie Barnette - 19 - 1997
5. Jamie Barnette - 18 - 1998

Passing Touchdowns in a Game
1. Philip Rivers - 5 - 2003 (Kansas)
1. Philip Rivers - 5 - 2002 (Navy)
1. Philip Rivers - 5 - 2000 (Indiana)
1. Terry Harvey - 5 - 1995 (Wake Forest)