Norfolk State had the chance to tie the game late against Virginia State but blew it in comical fashion. Down by three, Norfolk State ran a clever reverse to the wide receiver, who faked a block before taking off downfield to the 15-yard line. With a short field and plenty of time, they seemed set to at least force overtime. After gaining a few yards on third down, they faced a fourth-and-one. Instead of kicking a chip-shot field goal, they went for it, running the same play they had used moments earlier. Virginia State saw it coming, stuffed it, and started celebrating.
Virginia State thought the game was over. Players waved goodbye to the crowd and milked the clock. Then, on a late fourth down, instead of just falling down in bounds to end it, their quarterback scrambled and stepped out of bounds with two seconds left. Norfolk State suddenly got the ball back with a chance to tie. They brought out the kicker and long snapper—guys the coaching staff clearly didn’t trust earlier in the drive. Now they had a shot at redemption. And then it all fell apart. The snap was botched, the kick never got off, and Virginia State scooped it up and returned it to the house to seal the win.
The Norfolk State sideline was stunned. Their gamble backfired, and their hesitation to use the special teams unit came full circle. Virginia State’s coach smiled it off, proud of the chaos win.