Virginia couldn’t complete a comeback against NC State on Friday night, as the Wolfpack outlasted the Cavaliers 24–21 on a last-second regulation field goal. However, the game could’ve headed to overtime had it not been for crucial penalties.
Down eight points in the fourth quarter, Virginia quarterback Anthony Colandrea tied the game with a touchdown pass, followed by a crucial two-point conversion. After the conversion, Colandrea received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taking off his helmet on the field.
With 36 seconds left, that penalty helped set up NC State at the 40 yard line on the ensuing drive, and the Wolfpack gained 33 yards to set up a short field goal to win the game.
