Southern University Alabama records the highest point tally by an FBS team since 1991, outclassing Northwestern State with a decisive score of 87-10.
Incredibly, the Jaguars managed to achieve this feat in just 51 minutes, with both coaches agreeing to shorten the fourth quarter to a six-minute running clock.
South Alabama set a new record for the highest point total by an FBS team in a single game since Fresno State defeated New Mexico 94-17 back in October 1991. This also happened to be a new record for South Alabama, as well as for the Sun Belt Conference.
The Jaguars utterly dominated the running game, racking up 363 yards on the ground and scoring six touchdowns from four different players. Fluff Bothwell and Kentrell Bullock both exceeded 100 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns each.
The Demons had a tough night, with the Jaguars scoring on all but two of their possessions. One missed field goal attempt from 50 yards occurred in the second quarter, while the other was when the Jaguars chose to kneel the ball, as they had already established a significant lead at 87-10.
With losses to North Texas and Ohio in his first two games, Major Applewhite finally secured his first win as head coach. While he may have hoped for a victory, it's unlikely he anticipated it would be by such a margin.
"I'm proud of the way our guys played, the way they responded coming off of a loss," he said after the game, according to AL.com. "In a short week, the staff did an outstanding job. I know people say that a lot, but they did."
Gio Lopez, the Jaguars quarterback, played a key role in their success on his return from injury, completing 15 of 19 passes for four touchdowns and 257 yards in the two and a half quarters he spent on the field.
"It was a great time," Lopez said, per AL.com. "It was hard last week just watching ... It was fun just to be back out there."
South Alabama started the game strongly, scoring two touchdowns despite running just one offensive play in over four minutes. Jamaal Pritchett returned a 62-yard punt for a touchdown, while Lopez found Jeremiah Webb in the endzone.
The teams exchanged scores in the first quarter, finishing 24-10, but South Alabama's dominance became apparent in the second quarter. Four more touchdowns extended their lead to a commanding 52-10 at half-time.
The third quarter saw another four uncontested touchdowns, with the Jaguars continuing their offensive onslaught. Despite agreeing to shorten the fourth quarter to six minutes, both coaches allowed the Jaguars one more opportunity to score, securing a four-yard touchdown run from Jarvis Durr.
The win in such a short time was a testament to the Jaguars' exceptional sports performance during the game. Their dominant performance in the running game and scoring from various players significantly contributed to their impressive sporting achievement.
