Image Source: ESPN
North Dakota State football fans looking for the latest team news should note an important detail from the supplied ESPN report: it does not include a North Dakota State game, opponent, score, injury update or player development. Instead, the report focuses on a remarkable James Madison performance against Wagner on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
That distinction matters because accurate sports coverage depends on separating confirmed information from assumptions. Based on the available report, there is no verified update involving the Bison. The latest featured story concerns James Madison’s 87-3 victory, a result that produced several NCAA and program records in an emphatic FCS performance.
North Dakota State Football News: What the Report Confirms
The report identifies James Madison as the dominant story. The Dukes tied the NCAA record for punt return touchdowns in a single game, scoring three during their rout of Wagner. The record had most recently been matched by USC against California in 2013.
James Madison also established a new program record for points. The Dukes’ previous high was an 84-7 win over Rhode Island in 2016. Saturday’s 87-point outburst surpassed that mark, while the 84-point margin became the largest in program history.
- James Madison defeated Wagner 87-3.
- The Dukes scored three punt return touchdowns.
- Michael Scott returned punts 76 and 69 yards for touchdowns.
- Miles Halbert blocked a punt and returned it nine yards for a score.
- James Madison scored on 10 of 12 possessions, including nine touchdowns.
A Historic Special-Teams Explosion
Michael Scott delivered the most eye-catching individual performance on special teams. He returned two punts for touchdowns, giving James Madison immediate field-position advantages and helping turn the game into a one-sided contest.
Halbert added another special-teams highlight in the second minute. After blocking a Wagner punt, he recovered and returned it nine yards for a touchdown. He also caught a touchdown pass, contributing in multiple phases of the game.
The three punt return scores were especially significant. Such a total is extremely rare in college football, and the achievement placed James Madison alongside a select group of teams that have reached the NCAA record.
Explosive Offense Keeps the Rout Moving
James Madison was not limited to special-teams production. George Pettaway rushed for three touchdowns, while Nick Herman ran for 132 yards and added two more scores. The Dukes consistently found openings on the ground as the game progressed.
Camden Coleman completed passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. Arrington Maiden also contributed, completing seven of eight attempts for 111 yards and two touchdowns. The combined production allowed James Madison to score at least 21 points in every quarter.
The Dukes scored on 10 of 12 possessions, a remarkable efficiency rate that reflected their control from the opening minutes. Wagner’s only points came on Johnny DiSalvatore’s field goal before James Madison pulled away completely.
What This Means for North Dakota State Football Coverage
For North Dakota State football supporters, the main takeaway is that the supplied ESPN article should not be treated as a Bison update. It contains no information confirming an NDSU result, schedule development, roster change or injury situation.
North Dakota State has a major presence in FCS football, so fans naturally look for team-specific developments whenever national college football news is published. However, the available material only confirms the James Madison-Wagner result. Any claims about the Bison would require a separate verified report.
The James Madison result may still interest FCS followers because it highlights the level of special-teams impact and offensive efficiency that can shape a college football season. Three punt return touchdowns, nine offensive touchdowns and a record-setting point total made the Dukes’ performance one of the weekend’s most explosive results.
Weather Changed the Game Schedule
The matchup was moved up by three and a half hours because of the threat of inclement weather. Despite the scheduling change, James Madison produced a commanding performance and avoided any disruption once the game began.
Wagner, an FCS opponent, fell to 1-2, while James Madison improved to 2-0. The result gave the Dukes considerable momentum and reinforced their early-season standing as a team capable of creating game-changing plays in every phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did North Dakota State play in the reported game?
No. The supplied report covers James Madison’s 87-3 victory over Wagner and does not mention a North Dakota State game.
What record did James Madison tie?
James Madison tied the NCAA record for punt return touchdowns in one game by scoring three.
Who returned punts for James Madison?
Michael Scott returned two punts for touchdowns, covering 76 and 69 yards. Miles Halbert returned a blocked punt nine yards for another score.
What was James Madison’s final score?
The Dukes defeated Wagner 87-3 and set a program record for points scored.
Is there a confirmed North Dakota State football update in this report?
No. The available report provides no confirmed information about the Bison’s opponent, result, roster or injury status.
