Duke safety Andrew Pellicciotta delivered a historic defensive play on Saturday, returning a missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown just as the first half expired. With two seconds remaining on the clock, Wolfpack kicker Kanoah Vinesett’s 50-yard attempt fell short, allowing the sophomore to secure the ball deep in the end zone. Pellicciotta then launched on a full-speed sprint downfield, turning a routine defensive stop into a decisive offensive score that electrified the Blue Devils’ sideline.
A 109-yard sprint with the clock at zero sealed Duke’s dominant first half against NC State.
The return was a masterclass in agility and spatial awareness, as Pellicciotta juked multiple defenders to create separation. At one point, he ran nearly lengthwise across the field to find an open lane, executing a sharp cut around the 30-yard line to clear the final stretch. Teammates cleared his path to the opposite end zone, ensuring the stunning cross-field run was uninterrupted. This “kick six” extended Duke’s lead to 31-3, capping a second quarter in which the Blue Devils outscored their opponents 24-0.
This touchdown marks a career first for Pellicciotta, who played in 12 games as a true freshman last season and recorded one interception. The play underscores his growing impact on the Duke defense, transforming a potential NC State scoring opportunity into a momentum-shifting event. With the clock at zero, Pellicciotta’s performance not only secured a comfortable halftime lead but also highlighted the Blue Devils’ ability to capitalize on special teams errors for a decisive advantage.
Source: Yahoo Sports
