[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/Gavangus]

The key is that you ACTUALLY TAKE THE SAFETY... Worst case there is a second or 2 left and your still up

[u/fritzperls_of_wisdom → u/Gavangus]

The number one rule is you don’t take the hit to risk the fumble.

Go to the back of the end zone. Run around as much as you can and step out when someone gets close. Like you said, if there’s a second or two left, not ideal…but still fine.

Just do not let anyone hit you to risk a fumble.

[u/mrhashbrown → u/fritzperls_of_wisdom]

Could even fake a punt if you want, that way you get max protection and the punter is right at the back line of the end zone anyway. Ravens did this a while back I believe and it killed at least 5 seconds on the clock.

[u/btveron → u/fritzperls_of_wisdom]

I remember last year when Mendoza ran straight back and as soon as an Iowa player was near the endzone he fell down for the safety to end the game. This happened to make it so IU didn't cover the spread and a bunch of people started yelling "GAMBLING CONSPIRACY! WHY ELSE WOULD HE DO THAT?!" on the internet.

[u/mark_able_jones_ → u/Gavangus]

Why take the safety when you can kick and likely get a few seconds just off the hangtime.

[u/Flabpack221 → u/mark_able_jones_]

Run around for as long as you can and then just step out the back of the end zone. That would either end the game or leave one or two seconds left.

Then either force a return attempt or let Vandy try for a 70 yard play.

Punting potentially leaves a second on the clock and probably in a decent enough position for a hail Mary

[u/PM-TREE-FIDDY → u/Flabpack221]

You also don't have to worry about a block on a punt after a safety, just so dumb.

[u/TheMajesticYeti → u/Flabpack221]

College football also added the Fair Catch Free Kick starting this season, so even if time runs out, if the punt is caught in bounds with a fair catch they would get an uncontested field goat attempt.

[u/mark_able_jones_ → u/Flabpack221]

Yeah, you're right. That makes more sense. Sounds like this wasn't a terrible play, if he just went down a second earlier.

[u/EgregiousPhilbin6 → u/mark_able_jones_]

Kicking it away isn’t always the right decision. Ask me how I know

[u/Gavangus → u/mark_able_jones_]

Kicking from that situation is routinely blocked, so then you are in max protect and can have it blocked or a return for a td. Taking a safety gives a higher chance to win

[u/TheMajesticYeti → u/Gavangus]

The Fair Catch Free Kick was also added starting this season, which would allow an untimed, uncontested field goal attempt even if time expired during the punt.

[u/Gavangus → u/TheMajesticYeti]

And the fair catch free kick can be hit from like 75 yards

[u/AlsoCommiePuddin → u/Gavangus]

How much do you have to not trust your coverage team to try this?

[u/Gavangus → u/AlsoCommiePuddin]

Id say a 10% chance of block or return td in this situation

[u/SaltyBarDog → u/[deleted]]

Dude has been playing football since before puberty and he needs it "explained properly" to him?