CFBSep 26
CJ Bailey explains late fumble as NC State looks to regroup
The Wolfpack quarterback said his focus was on draining the clock before a lost fumble handed Vanderbilt the decisive touchdown.
By OddsListing wire desk
· 2 min read
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Clock management ends in costly turnover
NC State quarterback CJ Bailey said Wednesday that he was attempting to exhaust the remaining time when he lost the ball in his own end zone against Vanderbilt. The fumble, with one second remaining, produced a Commodores touchdown and turned a late Wolfpack advantage into a 35-31 defeat. NC State had been ahead 31-28 with six seconds remaining and faced fourth down at its own 5-yard line. Coach Dave Doeren said Saturday that the plan called for Bailey to use as much time as he could before going to the ground with the ball secured. Instead, contact dislodged it. Speaking publicly for the first time since the loss, Bailey acknowledged that protecting possession was essential. He said his competitive instincts kept him moving as he tried to drain the clock. Although NC State had practiced the play, he had never encountered that exact game situation.
Wolfpack turn toward App State
Bailey said he spoke to his teammates after the defeat, emphasizing the opportunities still ahead this season. He also credited his coaches, teammates and family with helping him move past the mistake. The finish obscured a stronger passing performance from the quarterback, who is in his third year as a starter. Bailey threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns against Vanderbilt after managing 84 yards and an interception in the season-opening 34-8 loss to Virginia. Bailey described the difficult start as a learning experience and stressed the need to keep progressing rather than dwell on the turnover. NC State hosts App State on Saturday, then returns to ACC competition against Louisville on Oct. 3.
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