Derek Carr, the redshirt senior quarterback from nearby McKenzie, was named College Sports Madness’ National Player of the Week and the adidas Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week for his effort this past Saturday against Jacksonville State.
Carr became the first player in Division I (FBS or FCS) this year to throw for seven touchdowns in a single game twice, as the senior tossed seven touchdown passes in UT Martin’s 49-47 victory over Jacksonville State. The win pushed the Skyhawks to 5-1 in OVC play, which ties them for first place with two weeks to play.
Carr acknowledged his offensive line and the play of senior wide receiver Quentin Sims and junior wide receiver Jeremy Butler. The two receivers accounted for 19 receptions for 238 yards and six of Carr’s seven touchdowns
“They (Sims and Butler) make it easy,” he said. “All I have to do is throw it up and they make the plays.”
Carr completed 28-of-43 passes for 402 yards and the seven touchdowns without an interception; earlier this season Carr threw for seven touchdowns in a win over Murray State, a game where he also did not throw an interception. Five of his seven touchdown passes went to senior Quentin Sims who tied the OVC record for touchdown catches in a game.
Carr threw four touchdowns in the first quarter alone as the Skyhawks jumped out to 28-7 lead. He added one touchdown pass in each the second and third quarters and tossed his final score to Jeremy Butler with 5:31 to play; that strike proved to be the game-winning score. In the process Carr became UT Martin’s all-time leader in total offense (7,767), a mark that now ranks seventh in OVC history. He also moved into third place in OVC history for touchdown passes (62) and fifth in career passing yards (7,730).
Carr currently ranks fifth nationally in points responsible for (16.67/game), 10th in total passing yards (2,578), 10th in passing yards/game (286.44) and 11th in passing efficiency (151.63).