NC State's intentional safety sparks disputed game outcome

NC State's intentional safety sparks disputed game outcome

In Nashville, North Carolina State head coach Dave Doeren ordered an intentional safety with six seconds left; defector. com reported that the play ended the game with a 24-21 victory for the Wolfpack. CBS Sports reported that Vanderbilt rallied from a 17-point deficit to win 35-31 after a forced fumble on the safety gave the Commodores a last-second touchdown.

USA Today reported that the intentional safety attempt left the ball loose in the end zone with one second remaining, leading to the same touchdown. Yahoo Sports reported the same turnover and added that the loss, recorded as 31-28, sparked criticism of Doeren and speculation about his future.

Actors

Vanderbilt University North Carolina State University Miles Capers Cayden Daniels Jared Curtis Junior Sherrill CJ Bailey Keenan Jackson Dave Doeren Clark Lea

Locations

Nashville, Tennessee, United States Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Articles

September 20, 2026
2 total
NC State chooses intentional safety in final seconds against Vanderbilt
NC State chooses intentional safety in final seconds against Vanderbilt

defector.com • 20 Sep 18:07

With 6 seconds left and facing fourth-and-7, NC State head coach Dave Doeren ordered an intentional safety rather than attempting a punt or a quarterback kneel, ending the game 24-21.

Credibility 55% Manip. 25% Center
NC State's Late-Game Fumble Sparks Questions About Coach Dave Doeren's Future
NC State's Late-Game Fumble Sparks Questions About Coach Dave Doeren's Future

Yahoo Sports • 20 Sep 04:19

NC State lost a 31-28 game to Vanderbilt after a fumble in the final seconds, prompting criticism of head coach Dave Doeren and speculation about his job security.

Credibility 46% Manip. 34% Center
September 19, 2026
3 total
Vanderbilt defeats NC State 35-31 after last-second turnover
Vanderbilt defeats NC State 35-31 after last-second turnover

Yahoo Sports • 19 Sep 21:53

Vanderbilt rallied from a 17-point deficit to beat NC State 35-31 when NC State quarterback CJ Bailey fumbled in the end zone with one second remaining, giving Vanderbilt the winning touchdown.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
Vanderbilt scores last-second touchdown as NC State's intentional safety fails
Vanderbilt scores last-second touchdown as NC State's intentional safety fails

USA Today • 19 Sep 21:42

Vanderbilt defeated NC State 35-31 after a botched intentional safety attempt by the Wolfpack left the ball loose in the end zone with one second remaining.

Credibility 72% Manip. 7% Center
Vanderbilt defeats NC State 35-31 after late safety fumble
Vanderbilt defeats NC State 35-31 after late safety fumble

CBS Sports • 19 Sep 21:17

Vanderbilt rallied to beat NC State 35-31 when a forced fumble on an intentional safety gave the Commodores a last-second touchdown.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center