Game Recaps Covered by 4th & Forever
Pirate Nation turned up the volume and ECU delivered, outlasting Memphis in a thriller at Dowdy-Ficklen.
Coastal Carolina Capitalizes on Marshall Mistakes for Comeback Win
Duke Stuns Clemson in Death Valley Thriller, 46–45 Fast Start, Wild Finish Duke came out firing early, jumping ahead 21–7 in the opening quarter thanks to sharp quarterback play and a balanced offensive attack. Clemson, however, responded before halftime, finding rhythm on the ground and through the air to pull even by the break. The two ACC rivals traded scores throughout the second half in a back-and-forth offensive showcase. Clemson appeared to have the game sealed when they took a 45–38 lead late in the fourth quarter, but Duke wasn’t finished. With less than a minute to play, Duke quarterback Darian Mensah engineered a determined drive downfield. Facing a fourth-down situation, a pass interference call against Clemson extended the possession — a decision that drew loud debate and a heated response from Clemson fans and coaches alike. Moments later, Duke running back Nate Sheppard powered across the goal line for a three-yard touchdown. Rather than settle for overtime, the Blue Devils went for two — and it paid off. Mensah connected with Sahmir Hagans on a quick slant to take a 46–45 lead with under a minute remaining. Offensive Fireworks Mensah led the way for Duke, throwing for 361 yards and four touchdowns, spreading the ball to multiple receivers while keeping the Clemson defense on its heels. Despite being outgained in total yardage, the Blue Devils capitalized on key moments and avoided critical turnovers. Clemson’s offense, meanwhile, piled up over 500 total yards and had several explosive plays of their own, but costly penalties and defensive breakdowns down the stretch proved too much to overcome. Controversy and Consequences After the game, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney voiced frustration over the late pass interference call that helped Duke extend their final drive. His postgame comments later resulted in a fine and public reprimand from the ACC. While the call will continue to spark debate, Duke’s clutch execution in the final moments sealed the story — a historic win on the road and a defining moment for a program continuing to rise in the ACC standings. Looking Ahead The win marks a statement victory for Duke as they continue to build momentum in conference play. For Clemson, it’s another tough chapter in a season that’s fallen short of preseason expectations, raising questions about discipline and late-game decision-making.
​
Virginia Outlasts North Carolina in Overtime Thriller
Tulane Edges East Carolina 26–19 in Tight Conference Battle
LSU earned a hard-fought 20–10 homecoming victory over South Carolina.
Around the League
Week 9
Alabama Rally Caps Dramatic Win at South Carolina, 29–22 COLUMBIA, S.C. — No. 4 Alabama overcame a late deficit behind clutch plays from Germie Bernard and Ty Simpson, rallying to a 29–22 victory over South Carolina on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Crimson Tide (7–1, 5–0 SEC) trailed by eight points in the final minutes, but two late touchdowns, combined with a key turnover, sealed the comeback. South Carolina (3–5, 1–5 SEC) mounted a spirited fight behind LaNorris Sellers, but costly mistakes in the fourth quarter proved decisive. First Half: Mistakes Keep Game Close Alabama struck first in the second quarter after a miscue by South Carolina’s running back Rahsul Faison was intercepted by DeShawn Jones, who returned it 18 yards for a score, giving the Tide a 7–3 lead. The Gamecocks responded but were hampered by penalties and a missed field goal, allowing Alabama to maintain a narrow edge. At halftime, South Carolina trailed 14–6 despite several opportunities in the red zone. Second Half: Gamecocks Take the Lead South Carolina came out strong in the third quarter, scoring 16 unanswered points. Nyck Harbor hauled in a 54-yard touchdown pass, kicker William Joyce converted a 47-yard field goal, and Sellers capped a 10-yard touchdown run after a punt recovery in Alabama territory, giving the Gamecocks a 22–14 advantage late in the fourth quarter. Fourth Quarter: Tide Rally Seals Victory Alabama responded with a 14-play, 79-yard drive capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass from Simpson to Bernard with 2:16 remaining. A successful two-point conversion tied the game at 22. On the next possession, linebacker Deontae Lawson forced a fumble from Sellers, giving Alabama excellent field position at the South Carolina 38. On third-and-10, Bernard took a direct snap and raced 25 yards for a go-ahead touchdown with 34 seconds left, completing the comeback. Key Stats and Performances Ty Simpson: 253 passing yards, 2 TDs Germie Bernard: 2 late touchdowns, including rushing and receiving DeShawn Jones: 18-yard interception return for a score LaNorris Sellers: 222 passing yards, 67 rushing yards, 1 TD, costly fumble late Alabama rushed for just 72 yards on 23 carries, with most production in the fourth quarter South Carolina’s offense was hampered by penalties and missed opportunities, including two red zone trips nullified by holding calls Final Take Alabama showcased resilience and clutch execution, rallying from a late deficit to preserve its SEC record. South Carolina, which opened the season ranked No. 13, suffered another heartbreaking loss despite strong individual performances from Sellers and the offensive line. The Crimson Tide return home to face No. 20 LSU next week, while the Gamecocks travel to take on No. 8 Ole Miss.
Vanderbilt Survives Missouri Thriller, 17–10 COLUMBIA, Mo. — In what may have been their roughest game of the season, Vanderbilt found a way to win behind a dominant defensive effort and a few timely plays on offense, edging Missouri 17–10 and securing their program-record third top-15 win of the year. The Commodores leaned on a suffocating defense and big plays from MK Young, Tre Richardson, and Eli Stowers to pull out the victory in a game defined by inches and missed opportunities. First Quarter: Sluggish Start The opening frame set the tone for a sloppy affair. Missouri went three-and-out, and Vanderbilt’s first drive stalled after just one first down. Across six possessions in the quarter, only one saw either team cross midfield. Both offenses, expected to shine, struggled to get anything going early. Second Quarter: Commodores Find a Spark Vanderbilt finally showed some offensive life early in the second quarter. Key completions to Tre Richardson (16 yards) and Eli Stowers (13 yards) moved the ball into Missouri territory, but penalties and negative plays pushed the Commodores out of field goal range. Missouri’s offense responded with a methodical drive, working down to the 21-yard line. Vandy’s defense stiffened, forcing a 39-yard field goal to give the Tigers a 3–0 lead. Vanderbilt answered immediately. A 39-yard pass to Richardson and a 19-yard strike to Stowers set up a scoring opportunity at the 7-yard line. A spectacular scramble by Diego Pavia for a potential touchdown was called back due to holding penalties, forcing the Commodores to settle for a 38-yard field goal by Brock Taylor, tying the game 3–3 at halftime. Second Half: Defense Dominates The second half was largely defined by Vanderbilt’s defense. Bryan Longwell led the way with 13 tackles, while CJ Heard earned the game ball for a crucial forced fumble against Missouri’s Jamal Roberts. Langston Patterson, Miles Capers, Randon Fontenette, and Keanu Koht all added tackles for loss, contributing to what was arguably the team’s best defensive performance of the year. Missouri managed to drive into Vanderbilt territory in the fourth quarter, but critical stops—including a forced intentional grounding by Koht—kept the Tigers from scoring. Fourth Quarter: Inches Decide the Outcome Vanderbilt capped the game with timely plays and a bit of luck. On Missouri’s final possession, a Hail Mary from Zollers appeared caught by Kevin Coleman, but a review showed he was inches short of the goal line as time expired. Vanderbilt’s players and fans celebrated a 17–10 victory, cementing a win in a game that showcased grit over polish. Key Offensive Performances MK Young: 86 rushing yards, 1 TD, including an 80-yard touchdown run Tre Richardson: 4 catches, 62 yards, highlight deep catch keeping body inbounds Eli Stowers: 3 catches, 42 yards Final Take It was an ugly, messy game by Vanderbilt’s standards, but the combination of opportunistic defense and clutch plays on offense carried the day. Inches separated the Commodores from defeat, but the win keeps them firmly in contention for a College Football Playoff spot. Cleaner play will be necessary moving forward if they hope to maintain their title aspirations.
Texas A&M Breaks LSU’s Death Valley Streak, 49–25 BATON ROUGE, La. — No. 3 Texas A&M ended a 30-year losing streak at LSU’s Tiger Stadium with a dominating 49–25 victory over No. 20 LSU on Saturday night. The Aggies (8–0, 5–0 SEC) turned a halftime deficit into a blowout, led by Marcel Reed, who passed for 202 yards and ran for 108 yards with four total touchdowns. First Half: Tigers Hang Around The game started competitively, with LSU taking an 18–14 lead at halftime thanks to big plays from special teams and defense. Jhase Thomas blocked a Texas A&M punt for a safety. A.J. Haulcy intercepted a pass in the end zone, setting up freshman Harlem Berry’s 7-yard touchdown run. Linebacker Harold Perkins later intercepted a deflected pass, but LSU stalled inside the Aggies’ 20-yard line, settling for a field goal by Damian Ramos. Despite these moments, LSU’s offensive line allowed multiple pressures on Garrett Nussmeier, who managed 168 passing yards and a short touchdown to Trey’Dez Green but was sacked seven times overall. Second Half: Aggies Take Control Texas A&M dominated the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns in the first six minutes. Reed scored on a 5-yard scramble on third down. A 60-yard punt return by KC Concepcion set up another Aggies touchdown, pushing the lead to 28–18. LSU’s offense sputtered after halftime, and the Tigers’ fourth-quarter possession lasted just three plays. The Aggies’ ground and aerial attack overwhelmed LSU’s defense, highlighted by Reed’s dual-threat performance and efficient scoring drives. Fourth Quarter: A&M Runs Away With It Texas A&M continued scoring in the final frame: Nate Boerkircher ran in a 1-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 42–18. Additional Aggies scoring ensured a 49–25 final, silencing the raucous Death Valley crowd. Despite flashes from LSU, including Haulcy’s 12 tackles and Nussmeier’s earlier efforts, the Tigers could not sustain momentum against a relentless Aggies team. Key Stats and Performances Marcel Reed: 202 passing yards, 108 rushing yards, 4 total TDs KC Concepcion: 1 TD reception, 79-yard punt return TD A.J. Haulcy: 12 tackles, 1 interception Garrett Nussmeier: 168 passing yards, 1 TD, 7 sacks Final Take Texas A&M ended decades of frustration in Death Valley while maintaining its undefeated record. LSU’s season, once projected as a College Football Playoff contender, has taken a hard turn after consecutive losses, raising questions about the team’s ability to recover in the SEC. The Aggies continue their unbeaten run, while LSU will look to regroup before hosting their next opponent.
Ole Miss Battles Past Oklahoma in Rainy Road Win, 34–26 NORMAN, Okla. — In a gritty, rain-soaked clash at Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, No. 8 Ole Miss found a way to grind out a 34–26 victory over No. 11 Oklahoma on Saturday night. The win moved the Rebels to 7–1 (4–1 SEC), strengthening their postseason push, while the Sooners dropped to 6–2 (2–2). First Half: Defense and Field Goals Set the Tone Both offenses struggled early in the wet conditions, as miscues and slippery footballs defined much of the first half. Ole Miss broke through first when Kewan Lacy punched in a short touchdown run late in the opening quarter to make it 7–3. The Rebel defense made its presence felt midway through the second quarter, when a swarm of defenders tackled Oklahoma running back Tory Blaylock in the end zone for a safety, giving Ole Miss a 12–10 advantage. Before the break, Lacy capped another steady drive with a 2-yard score, extending the Rebel lead to 22–10 at halftime. Second Half: Momentum Swings Wildly Coming out of the locker room, Ole Miss tried to keep its foot on the gas but suffered a costly turnover when Kewan Lacy mishandled a direct snap on a fourth-and-short near midfield. Oklahoma capitalized quickly — Xavier Robinson broke free on a 65-yard touchdown run to bring the Sooners within five, 25–20. Moments later, Robinson struck again with a 9-yard rushing score that gave Oklahoma its first lead of the night, 26–25, late in the third quarter. Ole Miss responded by turning back to its steady kicker Lucas Carneiro, who connected on a 30-yard field goal, his third of the game, to put the Rebels back on top 25–20 before the Sooners’ surge. Fourth Quarter: Chambliss Closes It Out Trailing by one in the fourth quarter, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss engineered a decisive drive, capping it with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Trace Bruckler to regain the lead, 31–26. After the defense forced a fumble on a Sooners punt return, Carneiro added a 37-yard field goal with just over four minutes remaining, sealing the 34–26 victory. Chambliss finished the game 24-of-44 for 315 yards and one touchdown, adding 53 rushing yards on 12 carries. Lacy led the ground game with 78 yards and two scores on 27 carries. Final Takeaway On a night when the weather and turnovers made execution difficult, Ole Miss leaned on resilience and discipline to pull off a signature road win. The Rebel defense delivered key stops, while Chambliss showed poise late to guide Ole Miss to its seventh win of the season.
Miami Bounces Back, Dominates Stanford 42–7 MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — After suffering its first loss of the season, No. 9 Miami delivered a convincing response on Saturday night, cruising past Stanford 42–7 in an ACC matchup at Hard Rock Stadium. The Hurricanes (6–1, 2–1 ACC) overcame a sluggish first half before erupting after the break, fueled by a stifling defense and a three-touchdown performance from Mark Fletcher Jr. First Half: Missed Chances Keep It Close Miami looked out of rhythm early, despite moving the ball deep into Stanford territory on multiple drives. Quarterback Carson Beck guided the offense inside the red zone three times, but a missed field goal and turnover on downs stalled their momentum. Stanford capitalized first, piecing together a 74-yard opening drive capped by a touchdown pass from Ben Gulbranson to Caden High, silencing the home crowd. The Hurricanes finally answered late in the half when CJ Daniels made a highlight-reel grab in the end zone — leaping over a defender for Beck’s only passing touchdown of the game — tying things up 7–7 at halftime. Third Quarter: Fletcher Takes Over Miami came out of the locker room energized and never looked back. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. exploded for three touchdowns in the third quarter alone, powering the Hurricanes to a commanding lead. Behind a revitalized offensive line, Fletcher finished the night with 106 yards on the ground, marking his best performance of the season. Beck bounced back from last week’s struggles with an efficient showing, completing 75% of his passes for 189 yards. Defense and Special Teams Seal It Miami’s defense flipped the game in the second half, holding Stanford to just 62 total yards after the opening drive. Linebacker Wesley Bissainthe and cornerback Xavier Lucas each intercepted Gulbranson on consecutive possessions, setting up short fields for the offense. Special teams also delivered, as Malachi Toney sparked the crowd with two long punt returns that helped Miami extend its lead and drain the clock. Stanford’s offense never recovered. Gulbranson was benched early in the fourth quarter after completing just 9 of 21 passes for 50 yards, while running back Cole Tabb managed 64 yards on 19 carries against Miami’s front. Final Takeaway After a flat first half, Miami rediscovered its rhythm, showcasing the balance and depth that made it a top-10 team earlier in the season. With Fletcher leading the ground attack and the defense forcing turnovers, the Hurricanes made a loud statement in their return home, and in their sharp camo uniforms, no less.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Cortez Braham Jr. caught two touchdown passes, including the game-winner with just over a minute left, as Memphis rallied past USF 34–31 on Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The Tigers (6–2, 3–1 AAC) trailed 24–14 late in the third quarter but outscored the Bulls 20–7 down the stretch to stay alive in the conference race. Memphis struck first on a 19-yard touchdown run by Frank Peasant, but USF responded with back-to-back scores from Byrum Brown, including a 44-yard sprint to take a 14–7 lead. The Bulls extended that margin in the second quarter when Brown found Jeremiah Koger for a 5-yard touchdown, and Nico Gramatica later drilled a 46-yard field goal to make it 24–14 at halftime. Kicker Gianni Spetic kept Memphis close with a 55-yard field goal, but USF answered with a lightning-fast drive as Sam Franklin broke free for a 73-yard touchdown run with two seconds left in the third quarter. From there, the Tigers took control. Greg Desrosiers Jr. scored on a 13-yard run, Spetic added a 28-yard field goal, and Braham Jr. capped the comeback with a 10-yard touchdown grab from Brendon Lewis with 1:07 remaining. Lewis then ran in the two-point conversion to seal the victory. Memphis’ defense held firm in the final minute, forcing a turnover on downs to end the game. The Tigers improved to 4–0 at home this season, while USF (5–3, 2–2) dropped its second straight road contest.
Week 8
No. 4 Texas A&M 45, Arkansas 42 Texas A&M held off a late push from Arkansas to earn a 45–42 road victory, keeping their perfect season alive and moving to 7–0 — the program’s best start since 1994. The Aggies remain the SEC’s only unbeaten team. Both offenses went back and forth all afternoon, with Arkansas staying within a field goal midway through the fourth quarter. Quarterback Marcel Reed led a key 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive capped by the run game to extend A&M’s lead to double digits with just under seven minutes remaining. Arkansas answered with a quick touchdown drive, but the Aggies recovered the onside kick to close it out. Reed finished the day with 280 passing yards and three total touchdowns, while Texas A&M topped 200 rushing yards for the fourth time this season.
No. 6 Alabama 37, No. 11 Tennessee 20 Alabama pulled away from Tennessee on Saturday night, earning a 37–20 victory thanks to a dominant defensive showing and steady offense. The win marked the Crimson Tide’s fourth straight over a ranked opponent. The turning point came courtesy of Alabama’s defense, which stifled the Volunteers throughout the night. The Tide limited Tennessee to over 100 yards below its usual output and even contributed points of their own. A second-quarter safety and a 99-yard interception return by defensive back Zabian Brown just before halftime helped Alabama build a 23–7 advantage it would not relinquish.
No. 16 Missouri 23, Auburn 17 (2OT) No. 16 Missouri survived a wild one on the road, edging Auburn 23–17 in double overtime in what was easily one of the most chaotic SEC games of the week. It was a defensive grind from start to finish, with neither offense able to find rhythm for long stretches. The teams combined for nine punts and three interceptions, and no quarter saw more than seven points scored. Regulation ended in a 17–17 tie, and the tension only grew as both squads missed field goals in the first overtime. In the second extra period, Missouri pieced together a 25-yard touchdown drive across seven plays, then came up with a critical defensive stand to seal the victory.
Oklahoma Dominates South Carolina in SEC Showdown The No. 14 Oklahoma Sooners pulled away for a 26-7 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks at William-Brice Stadium. Tory Blaylock got Oklahoma on the board first with an 18-yard rushing touchdown, and Xavier Robinson added another score in the second quarter. South Carolina answered with a 2-yard touchdown pass from LaNorris Sellers to Nyck Harbor, but it would be their only points of the game. Oklahoma extended their lead in the second half with a 55-yard field goal from Tate Sandell, a 20-yard touchdown pass from John Mateer to Isaiah Sategna III, and capped it off with a safety. The Gamecocks were held scoreless after the second quarter, struggling to move the ball in their own territory. True freshman Cutter Woods made his collegiate debut at quarterback for South Carolina in the final minutes, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. Oklahoma improves to 6-1 on the season, while South Carolina falls to 3-4.
No. 9 Georgia 43, No. 5 Ole Miss 35 ATHENS, Ga. — No. 9 Georgia overcame a sluggish start and a halftime deficit to hand No. 5 Ole Miss its first loss of the season, 43–35, Saturday night at Sanford Stadium. After yielding touchdowns on the Rebels’ first five possessions, Georgia (6–1, 3–1 SEC) regrouped defensively in the second half, holding Ole Miss scoreless in the final quarter and forcing three critical stops to close out the game. The final stand came when the Bulldogs batted down a fourth-down pass, allowing them to run out the clock and secure the win before a roaring home crowd. Quarterback Gunner Stockton powered Georgia’s rally, finishing with 348 total yards and five touchdowns — four passing and one rushing. Tight end Lawson Luckie emerged as his top target, hauling in three touchdown receptions, including the go-ahead score early in the fourth quarter. Peyton Woodring’s 42-yard field goal later extended the lead to two possessions with under five minutes remaining. Ole Miss (6–1, 3–1) controlled the tempo early behind quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who engineered multiple scoring drives, and running back Kewan Lacy, who rushed for two first-half touchdowns. The Rebels carried a 21–20 lead into halftime and stretched it to 28–20 when De’Zhaun Stribling turned a short pass into a 75-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. From there, Georgia’s defense flipped the momentum. Mykel Williams and Smael Mondon Jr. generated constant pressure as the Bulldogs shut down the Rebels’ high-powered offense over the final 20 minutes. The victory keeps Georgia squarely in the SEC title and College Football Playoff picture while ending Ole Miss’s six-game winning streak.
Georgia Tech’s 95-yard defensive touchdown shifts early momentum It didn’t take long for Georgia Tech to deliver one of the highlights of the college football weekend. Midway through the first half, Duke was threatening to score from the 1-yard line when quarterback Darian Mensah lost control of a handoff to Anderson Castle, sending the ball bouncing toward the turf. That’s when Omar Daniels pounced. The Georgia Tech defensive back scooped up the loose ball and sprinted 95 yards the other way for a touchdown, flipping the momentum and igniting the home crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Old Dominion connects for record-setting 98-yard touchdown Old Dominion made history Saturday with the longest offensive play in program history. Pinned deep at their own two-yard line, quarterback Colton Joseph found receiver Tre Brown on a crossing route near midfield. From there, Brown turned on the speed, leaving James Madison defenders behind — including safety Tyler Brown — on his way to a 98-yard touchdown. The play not only electrified the crowd but also etched its place in Monarchs history as the team’s longest scoring strike ever.
No. 17 Vanderbilt Upsets No. 10 LSU, 31-24 In a thrilling showdown in Nashville, the No. 17 Vanderbilt Commodores toppled the No. 10 LSU Tigers 31-24. LSU struck first with a 48-yard field goal, but Vanderbilt quickly answered. On their opening drive, quarterback Diego Pavia capped a 9-play, 57-yard march with a rushing touchdown, giving the Commodores a 7-3 lead after the first quarter. LSU reclaimed the lead early in the second quarter when quarterback Garrett Nussmeier found Trey’Dez Green for a 24-yard touchdown pass, making it 10-7. Vanderbilt responded with a methodical 14-play, 8:58 drive, culminating in a one-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander to go ahead 14-10. LSU trimmed the deficit late in the half with a 42-yard field goal, making it 14-13, after missing an earlier 52-yard attempt. Vanderbilt countered with a swift 50-yard drive in the final minute, capped by a 46-yard field goal, sending the Commodores into halftime with a 17-13 advantage. The Commodores struck first after the break, executing a 10-play, 75-yard drive finished by Pavia’s touchdown pass to Cole Spence, extending the lead to 24-13. LSU answered immediately as Nussmeier scrambled and connected with Zavion Thomas for a 62-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion to pull within three at 24-21. Vanderbilt kept up the pressure, with Pavia leading another 10-play, 75-yard drive and finishing it with his second rushing touchdown, putting the Commodores ahead 31-21 by the end of the third quarter. LSU mounted a 69-yard drive in the fourth, highlighted by a 51-yard run from Caden Durham, but stalled inside the five-yard line and settled for a field goal, cutting the gap to 31-24. The Tigers forced a crucial three-and-out on defense, but the offense couldn’t capitalize, allowing Vanderbilt to control the clock and secure the upset victory.
Tulane Pulls Off Stunning TD Catch to Beat Army, 24-17 With under 45 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Tulane lined up for what seemed like a game-winning field goal from Army’s 26-yard line. Instead, the Green Wave went for the end zone—and delivered a moment straight out of highlight reels. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff launched a pass toward wide receiver Shazz Preston, who was tightly covered. The ball, however, didn’t land cleanly in anyone’s hands at first. It ricocheted in the air in the end zone, leaving defenders helpless. Preston chased it down, juggling the football before securing it for a 26-yard touchdown reception, giving Tulane the go-ahead lead. The Green Wave held on for the 24-17 victory, sealing the win with one of the most improbable plays of the season.
Stanford 20, Florida State 13 Stanford’s 20–13 win over Florida State will be remembered for its wild final sequence that left fans stunned across college football. With just six seconds remaining and the ball on their own 38-yard line, the Seminoles turned to backup quarterback Kevin Sperry for one last miracle. Sperry launched a deep pass nearly 55 yards downfield into heavy traffic, and somehow receiver Micahi Danzy came down with it at the nine-yard line. As the clock hit zero, officials reviewed the play and added two seconds back, giving Florida State a final chance to tie the game. On the next snap, Sperry’s throw toward Duce Robinson fell incomplete, but a defensive pass interference flag gave the Seminoles yet another opportunity. Stanford’s defense held firm, stopping running back Gavin Sawchuk just short of the goal line as time expired, preserving the Cardinal’s third straight victory and handing Florida State a fourth consecutive defeat.