Duke safety Andrew Pellicciotta returned a missed NC State field goal for a touchdown on November 7, 2026. He traveled roughly 109 yards on the play, but the official return was credited as 100 yards. Duke beat NC State 41–3. ACC game report ↗
How the kick six happened
NC State attempted a 50-yard field goal late in the first half. The attempt came up short, and Pellicciotta collected the ball in the back of the end zone. He headed left, reversed across the field behind blockers, then cut back toward the end zone. The touchdown helped Duke take a commanding 31–3 halftime lead. Associated Press recap ↗
Why is it officially a 100-yard return?
The credited distance is recorded from the goal line to the scoring end zone, capped at 100 yards for a full-field return. The runner can physically cover more ground by starting deep in the end zone or running sideways. That is why descriptions of the estimated path traveled and the official stat line can differ without a contradiction.
Was it a blocked kick?
No. The report describes a missed field goal that fell short, which Pellicciotta fielded and ran back. It was not a blocked field goal recovered in the usual sense. The Associated Press described it as possibly the first time a Duke player returned an unblocked missed field goal for a touchdown.
What else happened in Duke vs. NC State?
Duke won 41–3. Nate Sheppard rushed for 217 yards, according to the ACC report. The return was a standout moment in a lopsided result rather than the only reason Duke won.
Questions readers are asking
Who had the kick six against NC State?
Duke safety Andrew Pellicciotta.
Was the return 100 or 109 yards?
It was officially credited as 100 yards, with an estimated 109 yards actually traveled.
What was the Duke vs. NC State score?
Duke won 41–3 on November 7, 2026.
Sources and original reporting
- Atlantic Coast Conference — Duke vs. NC State official game reportNovember 7, 2026
- Associated Press game coverage via CBS SportsNovember 7, 2026