Image Source: ESPN
cbssports readers witnessed one of the most astonishing finishes of the college football season as Vanderbilt defeated NC State 35-31 on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The Commodores completed a dramatic comeback when Cayden Daniels recovered a fumble in the end zone and returned it for the go-ahead touchdown with just one second remaining.
cbssports Breakdown: Vanderbilt’s Stunning Final Play
NC State appeared to have secured the victory after taking a 31-28 lead late in the fourth quarter. The Wolfpack had the ball at their own 5-yard line with six seconds left and faced fourth down. Rather than risk a blocked punt, NC State coach Dave Doeren sent quarterback CJ Bailey back onto the field.
Bailey attempted to scramble and run out the clock before taking a safety. As three Vanderbilt defenders closed in, pass rusher Miles Capers punched the ball loose in the end zone. Cornerback Cayden Daniels immediately recovered the fumble, giving Vanderbilt a stunning touchdown and its first lead of the game.
Officials reviewed the play and upheld the ruling. One second was restored to the clock, allowing Vanderbilt to attempt the extra point. NC State then received one final opportunity from its own 25-yard line after a touchback, but a series of desperate laterals ended with another Wolfpack fumble. Vanderbilt recovered to officially complete the remarkable win.
A Resilient Comeback From a 24-7 Deficit
The final play overshadowed a determined rally by Vanderbilt, which trailed 24-7 in the third quarter. The Commodores responded with three straight touchdown drives and steadily shifted momentum in front of their home crowd.
Freshman quarterback Jared Curtis made his first career start and delivered an impressive performance under intense pressure. The former five-star recruit threw for 277 yards and rushed for a team-high 64 yards. He also accounted for three touchdowns, although two interceptions kept NC State in control for much of the afternoon.
Vanderbilt appeared to have one last chance to tie or win when Curtis threw an interception to NC State safety Brody Barnhardt at the Wolfpack’s 2-yard line with 1:04 remaining. NC State needed only to manage the clock and gain a few yards to protect its lead.
Instead, the Wolfpack ran three plays with backup quarterback Will Wilson. The sequence gained seven yards, but a delay-of-game penalty stopped the clock at six seconds and forced NC State into its risky fourth-down decision.
Coaches React to an Unforgettable Finish
Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea praised his team’s resilience after the emotional victory. He said the Commodores talk about defending “every blade of grass,” a phrase that became especially meaningful during the chaotic final moments.
“We talk about [defending] every blade of grass on defense, and literally, that’s every blade of grass,” Lea said, according to ESPN. He also acknowledged that Vanderbilt needed to improve despite the dramatic result.
“We’ve got to play better football,” Lea said, while emphasizing the team’s ability to remain competitive until the final whistle.
Doeren expressed heartbreak over the way NC State lost after leading for nearly the entire game. Bailey completed 25 of 37 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Wolfpack control the offense for most of the contest.
“It’s a shame it came down to that play,” 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.”
What the Victory Means for Vanderbilt
For Vanderbilt, the win provides a major boost in confidence and creates an early-season signature moment. The Commodores overcame a 17-point deficit, survived a late interception and found a way to force a turnover when defeat seemed almost certain.
- Vanderbilt won 35-31 over NC State.
- The Commodores trailed 24-7 in the third quarter.
- Miles Capers forced the decisive fumble.
- Cayden Daniels recovered the ball for a touchdown.
- Jared Curtis impressed in his first career start.
The victory also highlights the unpredictable nature of college football, where a single defensive play can completely change the outcome. As cbssports coverage continues to track the season, Vanderbilt’s last-second comeback will remain one of the weekend’s defining stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Vanderbilt defeat NC State?
Vanderbilt won 35-31 after Miles Capers forced a fumble from CJ Bailey in the end zone. Cayden Daniels recovered the loose ball and scored the go-ahead touchdown with one second left.
Who was Vanderbilt’s starting quarterback?
Freshman Jared Curtis made his first career start. He threw for 277 yards, rushed for 64 yards and contributed three touchdowns.
What was the final score?
Vanderbilt defeated NC State 35-31 in a dramatic finish.
Why did NC State go for it on fourth down?
NC State chose to run a play rather than punt because the Wolfpack was backed up near its own end zone and feared a blocked punt could give Vanderbilt an immediate scoring chance.
