Despite the Mustangs dropping to 2-1 after Saturday’s loss to Washington State University, senior wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders had a record-breaking game, setting a new SMU and Conference USA record for most receptions in a single game.

Sanders totaled 178 yards against the Cougars with a career-high 18 receptions. While not responsible for any touchdowns in the Mustang’s loss to WSU, Sanders had his longest catch of the night come in at 45 yards.

Sander’s total reception count also tops C-USA and SMU single-game record books. His 2,844 career receiving yards passed the 2,784 yard record set by Emanuel Tolbert in 1976-79.

The Bellville, Texas native also moved into 10th place overall in C-USA’s history in total receiving yards.

The C-USA Offensive Player of the Week reached his 12th career 100-yard receiving game and second of the season in his four years on the Hilltop following the Mustang’s first loss of the season. Sander’s first 100-yard game of the season came in SMU’s win over the University of Alabama-Birmingham, where he totaled 148 yards.

The game against WSU puts Sanders in third place in SMU history with three games with 10 or more receptions. Former Mustangs Jerry LeVias and Jason Wolf each hold the top two spots with four in one game.

After three games, Sanders averaged 130.7 yards per game and 11.2 yards per catch. Sanders totals 392 yards on the season and one touchdown.

Last season, Sanders caught 67 passes for 958 yards and nine touchdowns. Sanders was ranked 11th in the nation with 95.8 receiving yards per game and 19th with 6.7 catches per game.

The Mustangs will take this week off before heading to Fort Worth to battle nationally ranked TCU for the Iron Skillet.