Vanderbilt somehow found a way to win a game that looked completely lost.
The Commodores erased a 17-point deficit and stunned NC State 35-31 Saturday afternoon in Nashville, pulling off one of the most unbelievable finishes in recent Vanderbilt football history. The victory moved the Commodores to 3-0 on the season.
For most of the afternoon, it looked like NC State was going to spoil Vanderbilt’s perfect start.
The Wolfpack jumped out to a 17-0 lead and continued to control the game into the second half. NC State eventually took a 31-28 lead into the final minute and appeared to have the game completely secured.
Then everything fell apart.
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis threw an interception at the NC State 2-yard line with just over a minute remaining, seemingly ending the Commodores’ comeback hopes. NC State took over and only needed to run out the clock.
With six seconds remaining, the Wolfpack were deep in their own territory. Quarterback CJ Bailey attempted to run around in the end zone to burn the final seconds, but Vanderbilt defensive end Miles Capers got to him and forced a fumble.
Cayden Daniels recovered the loose ball in the end zone for a touchdown.
Vanderbilt suddenly had a 35-31 lead with one second remaining. After a review confirmed the touchdown, NC State had one final play but couldn’t produce another miracle.
The comeback was even more impressive considering the circumstances. Vanderbilt trailed 17-0 in the first half and 24-7 in the third quarter before slowly fighting its way back into the game.
Curtis, making his first career start, finished with 277 passing yards and three touchdowns while also leading Vanderbilt in rushing with 64 yards.
But in the end, the story belonged to Capers and Daniels.
One forced fumble. One recovery. One touchdown.
And somehow, Vanderbilt walked away with a victory that seemed impossible just moments earlier.
The Commodores are now 3-0, and their next challenge comes in SEC play when they travel to Auburn on Sept. 26.
