South Alabama sets Sun Belt scoring record in 87-10 rout of Northwestern State

Published 10:49 pm Thursday, September 12, 2024

MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama found a few different ways to get into the end zone Thursday night.

OK. It found a lot of ways, by a lot of different people.

The Jaguars scored on offense, defense and special teams, and set a Sun Belt Conference record for points in a game as they destroyed Northwestern State 87-10.

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The previous Sun Belt scoring record was 83 points, set by Arkansas State in 2008 against Texas Southern, and Georgia Southern in 2014 vs. Savannah State. South Alabama got the record-setting points on a 4-yard touchdown run by Jarvis Durr with 3:57 remaining in the game. The fourth quarter was shortened to six minutes because of the lopsided score.

South Alabama’s previous school record was 66 points. The 52 it scored in the first half was also a school record for a half.

It was also the most points scored by a Football Bowl Subdivision team in a game since Fresno State beat New Mexico 94-17 in 1991.

Two former Warren Central players contributed to South Alabama’s record-setting performance. Senior lineman Reed Buys started at right guard and helped the offense pile up 363 rushing yards and 620 total yards. Nine players scored a touchdown.

On defense, freshman linebacker Julien Demby had one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery.

South Alabama (1-2) led 24-10 after one quarter, then exploded for 28 points in the second and 28 more in the third.

Quarterback Gio Lopez threw three of his four touchdown passes in the first half, and finished 15-of-19 for 257 yards.

Fluff Bothwell led the rushing attack with 143 yards on only seven carries, and Kentrel Bullock had 102 yards on eight carries. Bothwell and Bullock each scored two touchdowns.

Jamaal Pritchett got the night going with a 62-yard punt return touchdown following the opening series. He also caught a 10-yard TD pass.

Chrystylie Caldwell got South Alabama’s defensive touchdown on a short interception return late in the third quarter.