With two seconds left before halftime and Duke holding a 24-3 lead, NC State lined up for a 50-yard field goal to try to cut into the deficit.

The kick came off Kanoah Vinesett’s foot fine, but it fell short and landed in the waiting arms of Duke’s Andrew Pellicciotta. A mere 109 yards later, the Blue Devils’ safety returned it for a touchdown, extending the lead to 31-3.

It was the second week in a row that a Duke game involved a returned kick for a score, with Boston College returning a blocked field-goal attempt last week for a safety and two points, the only two points the Eagles would put on the board in Duke’s 47-2 win.

The play almost stole the spotlight away from the massive first half by Nate Sheppard, who rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries.