N.C. State Suffers Stunning Loss After Fumbling in Own End Zone on Final Play

N.C. State experienced a devastating defeat on Saturday, losing 35-31 to Vanderbilt after fumbling the ball in their own end zone on the second-to-last play of the game.

The Wolfpack had taken possession at their own 2-yard line with just over a minute remaining and a three-point lead after an interception. Their strategy was to run out the clock.

With six seconds left on the clock and facing fourth down deep in their own territory, N.C. State quarterback C.J. Bailey took the snap and attempted to scramble to let time expire. Instead, Vanderbilt edge rusher Miles Capers forced a fumble, which was recovered by Commodores cornerback Cayden Daniels for a touchdown, sealing the improbable victory for Vanderbilt.

If Bailey had taken a safety, N.C. State would have still held a 31-30 lead and secured the win. The decision to try and run out the clock resulted in a turnover and a loss.

N.C. State had held a significant lead, at one point by 17 points in the first half. However, Vanderbilt mounted a comeback, scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter to close the gap.

"We talk about every blade of grass on defense, and, literally, that’s every blade of grass," Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said after the game. "I think you’ve got to credit North Carolina State. They played the better football today, but we had enough at the end there to get it close and to put pressure on them, and it was going to take every second of the clock."

Lea added, "So I’m proud of the resilience of my team."