Full Breakdown
Vanderbilt Pulls Off Last-Second Fumble Recovery to Defeat NC State 35-31
By Drooid · · How we work
Game Overview
On Saturday at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, the Vanderbilt Commodores rallied from a 24-7 deficit to beat the North Carolina State Wolfpack 35-31. The win gave Vanderbilt a 3-0 start to the season and marked the program’s only lead of the contest, coming with one second left on the clock after a forced fumble was recovered in the end zone.
Momentum Shifts and Scoring Summary
NC State built an early advantage, taking a 17-0 lead by halftime on a 38-yard touchdown run by running back Will Wilson and a 30-yard pass from quarterback CJ Bailey to receiver Keenan Jackson. Vanderbilt answered with a 12-yard touchdown reception by junior wide receiver Junior Sherrill in the second quarter, but the Wolfpack extended the lead to 24-7 in the third quarter.
Freshman quarterback Jared Curtis sparked Vanderbilt’s comeback in the fourth quarter, throwing for 277 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while also rushing for a team-high 64 yards. His drives trimmed the deficit to 31-28 with just over a minute remaining. An interception by NC State safety Brody Barnhardt at the 2-yard line with 1:04 left appeared to seal the game for the Wolfpack.
The Decisive Play
Facing fourth-and-7 at its own 5-yard line, NC State elected to run the ball rather than take an intentional safety. Quarterback CJ Bailey rolled out of the end zone, attempting to run out the clock. Edge rusher Miles Capers hit Bailey, forcing the ball loose. Cornerback Cayden Daniels recovered the fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. After review, officials restored one second to the clock, allowing Vanderbilt to kick the extra point and secure a 35-31 lead.
Statistical Snapshot
- Vanderbilt: 277 passing yards, 132 rushing yards (64 by Curtis), 13 penalties for 116 yards (five holding, one false start).
- NC State: 275 passing yards on 25-of-37 attempts, three passing touchdowns, 164 rushing yards, over 200 yards through the air and more than 100 yards on the ground.
- Turnovers: Vanderbilt committed two interceptions and one fumble; NC State forced one interception and lost one fumble (the game-winning play).
Official Statements & Responses
He expressed pride in his players’ effort despite the loss.
Verbatim Quote
“It's just a play where you roll out and you don't get tackled, you try to burn as much time as you can and then fall to the ground and protect the football,” — Dave Doeren, NC state coach
Implications and Next Steps
The win ties Vanderbilt’s largest comeback since defeating Ole Miss in 2012 and extends its unbeaten run into SEC play. Vanderbilt travels to Auburn for its conference opener next Saturday, while NC State hosts Appalachian State the same weekend. Both programs will look to address the penalties and turnover issues highlighted by the game’s outcome.