PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 25: Head Coach Dave Doeren and CJ Bailey #11 of the NC State Wolfpack celebrate prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
With six seconds remaining, a 31-28 lead, and the ball in their possession, the North Carolina State Wolfpack looked all but certain to close out a road victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores.
In fact, over the last 20 years, teams were 1,061-1 when leading with possession of the ball under 10 seconds remaining.
However, that record would soon become 1,601-2 when Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey inexplicably dropped back into the end zone and fumbled on the final play of the game, allowing Vanderbilt to recover the ball for a game-winning touchdown.
Absolute insanity at Vanderbilt
Never seen a game end like this
A walk-off intentional safety turned TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/y220QlhiO1
— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) September 19, 2026
Fans were quick to blame NC State head coach Dave Doeren for the breakdown. However, Doeren placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of his third-year starting quarterback.
Dave Doeren Says CJ Bailey Was Told What To Do On Final Play
“It’s a play where you roll out, and you try not to get tackled,” Doeren said in explaining the call. “You try to burn as much time as you can. Then you fall on the ground and protect the football. And you get hit and didn’t protect the football.
“But there’s no intent to run the football and get hit on the play.”
Full response from NC State head coach Dave Doeren regarding CJ Bailey fumbling in the endzone attempting to run out the clock:
Doeren moves to 1-8 at NC State against the SEC, one second away from clinching the first power conference win for the Pack away from home since 2002. pic.twitter.com/UVw1L3nIZC
— Charlie Gribble (@Charlie_Grib) September 19, 2026
Doeren makes a fair point. Bailey should know by now that the one thing he cannot do in that situation is fumble. But not everyone loved the head coach’s approach.
“Not a fan of this response. Yes, CJ screwed up, but there was soooooo much more about that sequence. This was not Dave’s best moment. Moments, really,” wrote @AGoldFan on X.
“Almost certainly he gave the kid ineffective coaching before the play — but he takes no responsibility,” wrote another fan.
What do you think? Is the loss Doeren’s fault? Or should Bailey have known better? Let us know in the comments below.