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NFL·September 20, 2026 01:33 PM ET

Cowher and Wilson react to NC State's botched safety

Vanderbilt recovered a final-play fumble for the victory.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 201 min read
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Coach Cowher and @DangeRussWilson react to wild NC State-Vandy ending "JUST THROW THE BALL." https://t.co/5FSBrMgGZf

What happened: Bill Cowher and Russell Wilson expressed disbelief over the chaotic ending between NC State and Vanderbilt. Leading 31-28 as time expired, the Wolfpack attempted to kneel for a safety but fumbled in their own end zone, resulting in a game-winning touchdown for the Commodores.

Why it matters: The sequence allowed Vanderbilt to secure a win in a game where they had never held the lead. Cowher criticized the late-game execution on the broadcast, arguing that NC State should have simply thrown the ball away to run out the clock.

What to watch: NC State will attempt to regroup from the historic collapse, while Vanderbilt carries the momentum of an improbable win.

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