Vanderbilt Pulls Off Miracle Comeback vs. NC State You Have to See to Believe

Vanderbilt pulled off an astonishing last-second upset against North Carolina State in a dramatic finish at FirstBank Stadium on Saturday. Trailing by 17 points in the third quarter, the Commodores staged a furious comeback, ultimately winning 35-31 thanks to a game-ending fumble recovery by sophomore cornerback Cayden Daniels. North Carolina State entered the game as the visiting team and quickly established control, building a two-touchdown lead in the first quarter. Running back Will Wilson opened the scoring with a 38-yard touchdown run, followed by quarterback CJ Bailey connecting with Keenan Jackson on a 30-yard touchdown pass. The Wolfpack extended their advantage further with a field goal in the second quarter, making it 17-0 before Vanderbilt responded with a 12-yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Junior Sherrill. Both teams exchanged touchdowns throughout the third and fourth quarters, with North Carolina State maintaining a slim lead heading into the final moments. With six seconds remaining and facing a fourth-and-7 from their own 4-yard line, NC State decided to run an offensive play instead of punting. The intention was for Bailey to run out the clock and potentially take an intentional safety to secure a one-point victory. Instead, Bailey scrambled in the end zone, failed to protect the ball, and was stripped by Vanderbilt's Miles Capers. Daniels recovered the fumble for a touchdown with one second left, sealing the improbable 35-31 victory for the Commodores. Vanderbilt's junior wide receiver Sherrill played a pivotal role in the comeback, recording 108 receiving yards and two touchdowns on six catches. Quarterback Jared Curtis contributed 277 passing yards and three touchdown passes, although he also threw two interceptions and fumbled once. North Carolina State fell to 1-2 following the loss, while Vanderbilt improved to 3-0. The outcome marked a rare upset, given that teams leading with under 10 seconds remaining had been victorious in all but one instance over the past 20 seasons. NC State head coach Dave Doeren acknowledged the decision to run the play, stating the intent was for Bailey to run out the clock and take a safety. However, the execution faltered, resulting in a costly turnover that cost his team the game.