The previous record was 405 yards which Tanney shared with his older brother Mitch. Arguably more impressive is the fact that Tanney has thrown for 3,044 yards this season.

     "He was seeing things well and he has the ability to recognize what teams are doing," said head coach Steve Bell. "He’s gotten a lot better at that and as a coach my job is easier knowing I can trust him." When asked to describe Tanney in one word, "consistent" was the first thing to come from Bell’s mouth.

     More good news accompanied Tanney’s performance because with Saturday’s win, the Scots clinched at the very least a tie for the Midwest Conference title as well as the team’s second consecutive NCAA playoff appearance.

     Strangely enough for the first time all season the Scots were not the first to score, as IC’s Mitch Brasher nailed a 25 yard field goal to start the scoring. MC answered back almost immediately though with a five yard touchdown run from senior running back Clay Bricker.

     Monmouth had 154 total rushing yards on the day with sophomore running back Caleb Pratt leading the way with 114. Pratt also had a touchdown in the second quarter off a two yard run to give Monmouth a 20-10 lead.

     Bricker then began the third quarter with his second touchdown of the day as his 11 yard run padded the lead to 27-10. As for Tanney, his three touchdown passes came courtesy of a 28 yard toss to junior wide receiver Michael Blodgett in the second quarter, followed by a 19 yard pass to senior wide receiver Kyle Wantland at the end of the third. Tanney capped off his remarkable day with a two yard touchdown pass to junior full back Mike Ridgway about midway through the fourth.

     Despite a solid overall performance the Scots had seven penalties, but it is no cause for concern for coach Bell as he prepares for the playoffs. "It doesn’t worry me. I’m pretty sure we’re leading the league in penalties," said Bell. "Typically the top teams are penalized more often, but we like to be aggressive. There is a fine line between discipline and aggression."

     As the schedule inches closer toward the playoffs coach Bell is sticking to his guns and plans on keeping things simple. "We can’t change our formula because it’s what’s gotten us this far," said Bell. "We simply have to trust our athletes and schemes and hone in on getting better and being prepared as the competition level increases from game to game."

     Before the Fighting Scots advance to the playoffs they will close out their season against conference rival Knox College on Saturday, Nov. 7 in Galesburg, Ill., with kickoff at 1 p.m. Last season Monmouth crushed the Prairie Fire 56-10, but coach Bell refused to guarantee a victory, let alone predict the score.

     "It could be 1-0 for all I care," said Bell. "It should be a fun game though and it’s always an enjoyable experience. Our guys handle it well and I’d love to see a respectful, yet enthusiastic crowd."