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

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

According to Fear the FCS, the win was the most points by an FBS team over an FCS opponent in the history of the matchup. Houston set the previous FBS-FCS record of 84 points in 1990 and Oklahoma State tied the same in 2012.

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

According to College Football Report, South Alabama achieved the record-breaking total points despite the win being shortened because the fourth quarter was replaced by a running six-minute clock.

South Alabama also set a program and Sun Belt Conference record with a total of 87 points. The team reached its previous high of 55 points twice 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 first minute of the game.

South Alabama, which led by 14 points at the end of the first quarter, 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.

Despite the strong wind, South Alabama totaled 620 yards on offense and held Northwestern State to 237 yards.

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

Northwestern State, meanwhile, will continue to search for the team’s first win of the season after an 0-3 start.