Vanderbilt's fumble recovery for TD in final second stuns NC State - ESPN

The Vanderbilt Commodores pulled off their own Music City Miracle on Saturday with a stunning 35-31, last-second comeback victory over NC State.

NC State held a 31-28 lead on the road with six seconds remaining and faced a fourth down while backed up to its 5-yard line. Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey attempted to secure the win by scrambling and running out the clock before taking a safety.

As three Vanderbilt defenders hit Bailey in the end zone, however, pass rusher Miles Capers punched the ball out and cornerback Cayden Daniels recovered the fumble for the go-ahead touchdown.

«We talk about [defending] every blade of grass on defense, and literally, that's every blade of grass,» Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said.

The fumble recovery was reviewed and upheld, with officials putting one second back on the clock. Vanderbilt kicked its extra point, and NC State got one more play from its 25-yard line after the ensuing kickoff was a touchback. The Wolfpack attempted a series of desperate laterals, and Vanderbilt recovered a fumble to complete its shocking rally.

«It's a shame it came down to that play,» NC State coach Dave Doeren told reporters. «That should never happen. Obviously, a play that breaks your heart. But I was proud of how our guys played for 59 minutes and 59 seconds.»

The Commodores faced a 24-7 deficit in the third quarter before rallying with three consecutive touchdown drives. Vanderbilt was driving with a chance to tie or win when NC State safety Brody Barnhardt intercepted Vanderbilt freshman quarterback Jared Curtis' pass at NC State's 2-yard line with 1:04 remaining.

Vanderbilt still had two timeouts, and NC State called three rushing plays with backup quarterback Will Wilson that gained 7 yards before