Syracuse QB spikes the ball on 4th down to lose the game, a breakdown

Nov 30, 2020 958.1K views 4:53
MLB Baltimore Orioles 2020

What Happened

The game between the Syracuse Orange and NC State Wolfpack is entering a critical stage in the fourth quarter. With just over 5 minutes remaining, Syracuse quarterback Garrett Culpepper leads his team down the field, trailing by a touchdown. Culpepper makes several impressive throws, including a completion that requires video review to confirm the catch. The Orange continue to move the chains, picking up key first downs. As the clock winds down, Syracuse faces a crucial 4th-and-1 situation. Culpepper takes the snap and runs for the first down marker, keeping the drive alive. Wide receiver Anthony Queeley makes a nice move to pick up another first down, putting Syracuse in the red zone with a chance to tie the game. However, receiver Damien Alford is unable to hold onto Culpepper's pass on the next play, a potentially game-changing drop. With just over a minute remaining, Culpepper continues to lead the offense downfield. He narrowly avoids an interception on one throw, but then finds receiver Oronde Gadsden II for a first down to set up a 3rd-and-goal situation. Culpepper looks for an open receiver in the end zone but is eventually sacked for a big loss by NC State's Aydan White. Now facing 4th-and-goal with just 8 seconds left, Culpepper inexplicably spikes the ball, ending the game and handing the victory to NC State. The Syracuse sideline is stunned, with players and coaches expressing disbelief at the quarterback's decision. The opposing coach, Dave Doeren, claps smugly as his team secures the hard-fought win. Despite an impressive drive and several key plays, Syracuse's comeback effort ultimately falls short due to Culpepper's lack of awareness on the final play. The loss is a tough one for the Orange, who had fought back valiantly but made the crucial mistake of spiking the ball on 4th down to end the game. As the players and coaches walk off the field, the disappointment is palpable, but they'll look to learn from this experience and come back stronger in their next matchup.

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