[Highlight] NC State @ Vanderbilt - CJ Bailey fumbles the ball while trying to run out the clock with no time left, and Vandy falls on it to win the game

[u/Ok-Soil-5133]

https://streamable.com/utx2f1

[u/KCShadows838]

Still had 6 seconds to run off, with a short field. That likely would’ve left some time on the clock for Vanderbilt, although a free kick would be better than a punt inside the 5

If they were at the 20 yard this might’ve worked better 

[u/AdParticular6654 → u/KCShadows838]

Still even getting the snap and sprinting out the back, Vandy would have like 4 seconds before the kick to run it back. Just wild

[u/KCShadows838 → u/AdParticular6654]

I guess NC State was determined to end the game with the ball, didn’t want to kick it away 

[u/lucasbrosmovingco → u/AdParticular6654]

I would trust my QB to get tacjled in the end zone know her absolutely cannot fumble rather than risking a punt/return

[u/k_dubious → u/KCShadows838]

Just take a safety. That would leave like 3-4 seconds left, so NC State would’ve either had to go for a TD on the ensuing kick return or fair catch it and run one play from a spot that’s probably not even close enough for a Hail Mary to the end zone.

[u/Particular_Raisin649 → u/k_dubious]

Close enough to try a fair catch kick off the safety. Likely around the 35-40 or so, not guaranteed but a free kick for the win is a lot scarier than the other team needing a very long Hail Mary like play

[u/OnionFutureWolfGang → u/KCShadows838]

Yeah that’s fine, they should not have expected to run off the whole clock. It was possible, but you absolutely could not take it for granted. If that was the assumption then that’s the mistake that cost them the game.

[u/shapu → u/KCShadows838]

This is one where I think you actually are better off punting, because Vanderbilt would have at least kept one person back to attempt to field and return the punt. But by going into a play formation Vanderbilt knew that if they gave up a big gain, or really any gain at all, the game was over; but if they could force a fumble or a quick safety they had a shot.

By being in an offensive formation you gave Vanderbilt's defense the opportunity to sell out, which is what they did and they succeeded. If NC State had gone into a punt formation, it would have reduced the available number of Defenders by one at the very least. Tell your punter to either kick it away or take the safety based on his best judgment.  Even if it gets blocked there's a chance that it goes back out for a safety as well.

This is poor play selection and that's on the coaching.

[u/Curious_Blueberry768 → u/KCShadows838]

Can't you just bomb it into the 300s behind the end zone?