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          Stephen F. Austin beats NAIA North American 77-0 in opener

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          Stephen F. Austin's 70-0 halftime lead forces running clock in second half (0:33)

          Because Stephen F. Austin is up 70-0 at halftime, the game is forced to have a five-minute running clock for both the third and fourth quarters. (0:33)

          • Max Olson, ESPN Staff WriterAug 30, 2024, 12:34 AM ET
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            • Covers the Big 12
            • Joined ESPN in 2012
            • Graduate of the University of Nebraska
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          Stephen F. Austin defeated North American 77-0 on Thursday night in a season opener that went to 5-minute quarters in the second half after the Lumberjacks led by 70 at halftime.

          FCS Stephen F. Austin scored touchdowns on 11 consecutive drives and outgained its NAIA opponent by a total yardage margin of 675-40.

          SFA quarterback Sam Vidlak went 8-of-8 passing for 288 yards and five touchdowns to give the Lumberjacks a 42-0 lead after one quarter. They attempted seven passes over the rest of the game and rushed for 292 yards on 8.1 yards per attempt.

          NAU ran just 40 plays on offense and finished with 45 passing yards and -5 rushing yards but only one turnover in the loss. The two teams combined for 18 total offensive plays during the abbreviated second half.

          NAU, a private university in Stafford, Texas, played its inaugural football season in 2020 and joined NAIA in 2022. The Stallions went 1-10 last season, including a 91-0 loss to FCS Portland State.

          In 2022, SFA won a 98-0 game against NAIA Warner.