1996 Force 75 Outboard Sudden RPM Loss

Greetings all, I have a 1996 75hp on a pontoon. While out on the water at WOT, it abruptly dropped about 1000 RPM and slowed down. It then gradually kept dropping RPMs until it finally died, and hasn’t started since. Initially I was thinking it must be fuel related, likely the pump. I poured some gas directly into the carb expecting to start or at least hit, but nothing. I pulled the plugs and the bottom two looked fine, but the top one was black and cruddy looking. I didn’t have my in line spark tester with me to check that, which is my next step. Just posting here to see if this sounds familiar to anyone. I’ve heard that era motor had issues with CDMs going bad in pairs, but I would have thought an electrical problem would have just abruptly shut off, not the abrupt drop then gradual decline. Not to mention only one plug looked bad. Any and help is greatly appreciated!

Better check compression first....

That’s on my list to check as well. Both testers are in the same drawer at the shop.