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South Alabama scores 87 in historic CFB win over NWST despite shortened 4th quarter | News, scores, highlights, stats & rumors

SAO PAULO, BR - SEPTEMBER 6: A detailed view of field conditions prior to an NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles, at Arena Corinthians on September 6, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

South Alabama set FBS, program and conference records Thursday night in its 87-10 win over FCS member Northwestern State.

The win marked the highest-scoring victory by an FBS team over an FCS opponent in the history of the matchup, according to Fear the FCS. Houston in 1990 and Oklahoma State in 2012 tied the previous FBS-FCS record of 84 points.

The win was also the highest-scoring FBS game since Fresno State’s 94-17 win over New Mexico in 1991.

South Alabama scored a record number of points despite the game being stopped in the fourth quarter and running out of time for six minutes, according to College Football Report.

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Complete domination of South Alabama 😱

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South Alabama also has a program and a Sun Belt Conference established file with a team total of 87 points. The team twice broke its previous record of 55 points last season in wins over UL Monroe and Southern Mississippi.

Northwestern State fell behind almost immediately when South Alabama’s Jamaal Pritchett returned a punt 62 yards for a touchdown in the opening minute of the game.

South Alabama, which led by 14 points at the end of the first quarter, had extended its lead to 42 points at halftime and to 70 points by the end of the third quarter.

Jaguars quarterback Gio Lopez completed 15 of 19 passes for 257 yards and four touchdowns in his season debut, while Fluff Bothwell and Kentrel Bullock combined for 15 carries, 245 rushing yards and four touchdowns in the win.

South Alabama totaled 620 yards of offensive performance in the wind, while Northwestern State was limited to 237 yards.

The victory marked Major Applewhite’s first win since being named coach of the program in January. The former Houston coach spent the past three years building the Jaguars’ offense before being promoted to his current role.

Meanwhile, Northwestern State continues to search for its first win of the season after starting 0-3.