James Madison scores 87 points, ties largest margin of victory by FBS team since 1968
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
One week ago, Louisiana Tech joined the rare 80-point club, becoming the 14th team in the 21st century to score fourscore. And given the infrequency of 80, who knew when the next such performance would come along?
We hadn’t seen multiple 80-point showings in a single season since 2014, but that streak suddenly ended in Week 2 when James Madison blitzed FCS opponent Wagner in 87-3 fashion.
James Madison’s 87 points were tied for the most by any FBS team since 1991. South Alabama scored 87 against FCS competition in 2024 and Western Kentucky (which was in the middle of a transition phase from FCS to FBS) scored 87 against NAIA competition in 2007. The most recent instance of a team eclipsing 87 was Oct. 5, 1991, when Fresno State handled New Mexico, 94-17.
Additionally, James Madison won by 84 points, which was the largest margin of victory by any team since Oregon defeated former FCS program Savannah State, 84-0, in 2012. Besides WKU’s 87-point victory over NAIA competition in 2007, the last victory exceeding 84 points transpired in 1968, when Houston obliterated Tulsa, 100-6. Thus, Harrisonburg, VA showcased quite the historic blowout Saturday, especially by modern-day standards.
Here are all 16 instances of FBS teams scoring 80 points or greater since Fresno State recorded the most recent 90-point game in 1991. The last three 80-point performances all belong to Sun Belt teams.
| Date | Winner | Points | Loser | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 12, 2026 | James Madison | 87 | Wagner (FCS) | 3 |
| Sept. 5, 2026 | Louisiana Tech | 80 | Northwestern State (FCS) | 6 |
| Sept. 12, 2024 | South Alabama | 87 | Northwestern State (FCS) | 10 |
| Sept. 2, 2023 | Oregon | 81 | Portland State (FCS) | 7 |
| Sept. 26, 2015 | UNLV | 80 | Idaho State (FCS) | 8 |
| Oct. 25, 2014 | TCU | 82 | Texas Tech | 27 |
| Sept. 6, 2014 | Georgia Southern | 83 | Savannah State (FCS) | 9 |
| Nov. 23, 2013 | Florida State | 80 | Idaho | 14 |
| Nov. 23, 2013 | North Carolina | 80 | Old Dominion (FCS) | 20 |
| Sept. 1, 2012 | Oklahoma State | 84 | Savannah State (FCS) | 0 |
| Nov. 13, 2010 | Wisconsin | 83 | Indiana | 20 |
| Sept. 6, 2008 | Arkansas State | 83 | Texas Southern (FCS) | 10 |
| Sept. 8, 2007 | Western Kentucky | 87 | West Virginia Tech (NAIA) | 0 |
| Sept. 17, 2005 | Texas Tech | 80 | Sam Houston (FCS) | 21 |
| Nov. 3, 2001 | West Virginia | 80 | Rutgers | 7 |
| Sept. 6, 1997 | Florida | 82 | Central Michigan | 6 |
Here is James Madison’s scoring breakdown on a steady path to 87 points:
- 1Q, 13:31 — 9-yard blocked punt return TD, 7-3
- 1Q, 7:46 — 1-yard rushing TD, 14-3
- 1Q, 1:16 — 1-yard rushing TD, 21-3
- 2Q, 13:09 — 32-yard rushing TD, 28-3
- 2Q, 7:59 — 15-yard rushing TD, 35-3
- 2Q, 1:00 — 76-yard punt return TD, 42-3
- 3Q, 14:20 — 77-yard rushing TD, 49-3
- 3Q, 12:04 — 69-yard punt return TD, 56-3
- 3Q, 8:22 — 18-yard passing TD, 63-3
- 3Q, 1:52 — 46-yard FG, 66-6
- 4Q, 14:39 — 20-yard passing TD, 73-3
- 4Q, 6:48 — 44-yard passing TD, 80-3
- 4Q, 0:22 — 1-yard rushing TD, 87-3
Yes, James Madison scored three separate touchdowns on punt returns, although the first one was essentially a blocked punt — putting a hit on the punter before he could boot the ball away. Additionally, the Dukes had 56 points before they even managed their first passing touchdown of the game. While most teams typically run the ball in garbage time, James Madison scored tthree of its final four touchdowns through the air.
The Dukes failed to score on two possessions, and they were back-to-back drives in the second quarter. After a quick three-and-out, James Madison punted away to Wagner. However, Wagner muffed the punt and JMU recovered 27 yards away from the end zone. The Dukes couldn’t capitalize on that opportunity either, fumbling on 4th and 1 for a turnover on downs.
Overall, JMU scored nine touchdowns and one field goal on 12 offensive possessions, along with its three special teams touchdowns. And the Dukes did this all without their starting quarterback JC Evans, who was sidelined due to a lower body injury. Camden Coleman got the start and threw for one touchdown, while Memphis transfer Arrington Maiden was responsible for the two fourth quarter passing touchdowns. The run game was controlled by Nick Herman, who posted 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and George Pettaway, who added 52 yards and three scores.
James Madison out-gained Wagner, 588-204, in what was the most lopsided showing involving a full FBS member since Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.
If there’s one play that best describes the outcome of this game, it’s this:
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos