Syracuse was driving late in the fourth quarter against NC State, trailing by a touchdown with just over five minutes left. Quarterback Rex Culpepper led a promising series that included sharp throws, nice catches, and key conversions. They picked up yards efficiently, including a fourth-and-one QB keeper and a slick move by number 85 to get another first down. Culpepper looked confident and the Orange had real momentum. But a drop by number 87 stalled things, and miscommunication started creeping in. Culpepper barely avoided an interception and took a big sack from NC State’s number 11, who had been involved earlier in the drive and came up clutch again.
With the game on the line and no timeouts, Syracuse lined up for what should have been the final play. Only problem—they had no idea it was fourth down. Culpepper spiked the ball to stop the clock with six seconds left, thinking they had another down. They didn’t. Game over. The sideline reactions told the story—coaches stunned, players holding their heads, even the sign kid walked off in embarrassment. NC State’s coach gave a smug clap as the game ended on Syracuse’s mental error. An avoidable mistake ended a solid drive with zero points and a bewildering loss.