NC State fumbles potential upset while trying to kill clock in end zone as Vandy escapes with unfathomable win

When Vanderbilt freshman quarterback Jared Curtis threw a red-zone interception with 64 seconds remaining in Saturday’s game against North Carolina State, the narrative seemed to be set.

It appeared as though the tantalizing former five-star prospect simply made too many mistakes in his first career start, the last of which seemingly spoiled a second-half comeback he was orchestrating.

After all, at the time of Curtis’ ill-advised throw, Vanderbilt was trailing by just three points and could have tied the game with a field goal.

Then, inexplicably, the story changed. Curtis was bailed out by another signal-caller, NC State’s CJ Bailey, who also played hot potato with the game’s fate.

While aiming to surrender a safety that would kill the clock but not cost the Wolfpack the game, Bailey lost hold of the ball in the end zone. Vanderbilt recovered and won.

What. Just. Happened?!?!

Vanderbilt forces the fumble in the waning seconds and recovers it in the end zone! 😱 pic.twitter.com/lzlKPRVsru

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 19, 2026

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