NC State's Controversial Late-Game Safety Stirs Debate

With the game against Vanderbilt winding down, NC State chose to take a safety to burn clock instead of kneeling or punting. The plan hinged on QB CJ Bailey rolling out, buying time, and then securing the football, but it carried risks—blitz pressure, a potential fumble, and a dramatic return by Vanderbilt. The column treats the decision as a remarkably risky, almost comical endgame gambit that showcases how a single late‑game call can spiral into chaos in college football.