Syracuse QB has mental lapse on final play of loss, spikes ball on fourth down

In high-pressure situations, it’s vital for athletes to be able to keep their heads straight and remain aware of the game situation at all times. The Syracuse Orange offered a great reminder why on Saturday.

The Orange were trailing NC State 36-29, but had the ball with a 3rd-and-goal from the 7-yard line and 20 seconds remaining. Quarterback Rex Culpepper brutally took a sack on the play, and the Orange found themselves out of timeouts.

Culpepper hurried his team to the line of scrimmage and spiked the ball just as the clock hit zero. There was one problem: It was fourth down.