College Football8 Nov 20262 minute read

Duke Safety Returns Missed Field Goal 100 Yards in Blowout Victory

Andrew Pellicciotta returned a missed field goal 100 yards for a touchdown as Duke crushed NC State 41-3 in Raleigh.

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Rare Kick Six Breaks Game Open

Duke safety Andrew Pellicciotta returned from a lower body injury that kept him out for two games to pull off a historic play on Saturday. With the first half coming to an end, N.C. State kicker Kanoah Vinesett tried a 50 yard field goal into the wind. The kick fell short, landing in the end zone where Pellicciotta caught it.

Instead of staying down, the sophomore safety took off. He ran the ball all the way back for a touchdown, giving Duke a 31-3 lead at halftime. The Blue Devils went on to complete a 41-3 victory.

Wild Sprint Across The Field

The touchdown was officially recorded as a 100 yard return, though the actual run covered closer to 109 yards. It is believed to be the first time in Duke football history that a player returned an unblocked missed field goal for a score.

Pellicciotta initially ran toward the left side behind a wall of blockers. He then cut across to the right side of the field and dodged several defenders near the sideline. Finally, he cut back inside to finish the long run.

"I was just searching for grass," Pellicciotta said after the game. He added that he only realized he might make it all the way when he reached about the 15 yard line because he was running out of gas fast.

Reactions To The Historic Play

Duke coach Manny Diaz said that the play felt like it took 30 seconds. Defensive tackle Preston Watson praised his teammate for completing the play after missing time with an injury.

The play drained the life out of the crowd in Raleigh as N.C. State fell to 1-1 under interim head coach Todd Goebbel. Goebbel took over after the firing of longtime coach Dave Doeren.

"Everything from this game needs to start with me," Goebbel said. He added that the team had multiple opportunities to get Pellicciotta down but failed to make the tackle.

What it means for the next game

Duke Blue Devils at Miami Hurricanes (College Football, Sat, 14 Nov): Miami Hurricanes win 77%, Duke Blue Devils win 23%; projected score Miami Hurricanes 34, Duke Blue Devils 23. Our safest pick: Miami to win.

Syracuse Orange at NC State Wolfpack (College Football, Sat, 14 Nov): NC State Wolfpack win 77%, Syracuse Orange win 23%; projected score NC State Wolfpack 35, Syracuse Orange 24. Our safest pick: NC State to win.