Story perspectives

Vanderbilt recovers late fumble to beat NC State 35-31

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 2:15 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Vanderbilt Recovers Fumble

Vanderbilt recovered a last-second fumble in the end zone, securing a 35-31 victory over NC State.
NC State quarterback C.J. Bailey attempted to run the clock on fourth down.
Miles Capers stripped the ball, causing the fumble.
The fumble happened with six seconds left after a delay-of-game penalty.
The win gave Vanderbilt a 3-0 start after erasing a 17-0 halftime deficit, its biggest comeback since 2012.

Summary

Clark Lea Praises Resilience

Coach Clark Lea called Vanderbilt’s win “once-in-a-lifetime” and praised player resilience.
The game was played in record heat, with a 98°F feels-like temperature pre-kickoff and on-field 150°F.
Vanderbilt incurred 13 penalties for 116 yards, including five holding calls and a false start.
NC State sought its first road win against an SEC opponent since 1977; it now hosts Appalachian State.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, Texas Longhorns defeated Texas A&M 40–29 in the longest-running, third-most-played rivalry in college football, before a crowd of 86,616 at Kyle Field. The win helped Texas maintain its unbeaten season, while preserving its No. 2 preseason ranking, culminating in a national championship and cementing Mack Brown’s reputation for late-game resilience.

1 of 3

Vanderbilt Recovers Fumble

Vanderbilt recovered a last-second fumble in the end zone, securing a 35-31 victory over NC State.
NC State quarterback C.J. Bailey attempted to run the clock on fourth down.
Miles Capers stripped the ball, causing the fumble.
The fumble happened with six seconds left after a delay-of-game penalty.
The win gave Vanderbilt a 3-0 start after erasing a 17-0 halftime deficit, its biggest comeback since 2012.

1 / 3