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University at Buffalo backup quarterback Drew Anderson smashed both the school and the Mid-American Conference passing records throwing for 597 yards and seven touchdowns in a wild seven-overtime game at UB Stadium Oct. 7. Anderson connected with 10 different receivers and also ran for a score in a 71-68 loss to conference rival Western Michigan.
Anderson, a football, basketball and baseball star at Miramonte High School, was named the Mid-American Conference East Division Offensive Player of the Week and was one of eight quarterbacks named Manning Award Stars of the Week nationally.
Anderson walked on at San Diego State, transferred to Diablo Valley College and in 2016 transferred to the University at Buffalo. A business administration major, Anderson redshirted his first season at Buffalo and did not anticipate playing much this season.
In the fourth game, Buffalo's starting quarterback, Tyree Jackson, went down with a knee injury and Anderson stepped in, leading the team to victories over Florida Atlantic and Kent State, completing 18 of 27 passes for 251 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Since entering the game just before halftime of the contest against Florida Atlantic, Anderson has completed 53 of 88 passes for 848 yards, nine touchdowns and only one interception.
Miramonte Head Football Coach Jack Scharm was not surprised at Anderson's performance: "He has all the qualities you want in a quarterback - he's intelligent, he has good arm strength and is real leader. I do not know why it has taken so long for him to be recognized."
Oakland Raiders All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack was the team's 2014 first round draft choice out of the University at Buffalo.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA