The Tie That Transformed a Program: Revisiting NC State’s 1986 Pivotal Draw

A single tie game can define an entire season. For the 1986 NC State Wolfpack, a 14-14 deadlock against Pittsburgh was that moment. The game, played on September 13th at Carter-Finley Stadium, sparked a remarkable turnaround. It set the stage for one of the most memorable years in school history.

According to ESPN archives, the Wolfpack had suffered through three consecutive losing seasons. The program was desperate for a spark under new head coach Dick Sheridan. The tie against a favored Panthers team provided exactly that.

From Stagnation to Inspiration

Pitt dominated most of the game. Their defense stifled NC State’s offense for the first three quarters. The Wolfpack found themselves trailing 14-0 and struggling to gain any momentum.

The comeback began with a Mike Cofer field goal late in the third quarter. Then, quarterback Erik Kramer took control. He engineered a 70-yard drive in the final minutes, culminating in a touchdown pass to Haywood Jeffires. A successful two-point conversion brought the score to 14-11.

A Last-Second Equalizer and Lasting Impact

The Wolfpack got one final chance. A fumbled punt snap by Pitt gave NC State the ball at the 16-yard line with under two minutes to play. A penalty and a loss on a rushing play pushed them back. The game ultimately hinged on a 49-yard field goal attempt.

Cofer’s kick sailed through the uprights as time expired. The 14-14 tie felt like a victory. It ignited a belief that propelled the team to five thrilling wins in its next six games. That single result shifted the entire trajectory of the program.

The 1986 season became a legendary chapter for NC State football. It proved that a tie game could be a catalyst for greatness. The Wolfpack’s pivotal draw remains a testament to resilience and a turning point for a hungry team.

Dropping this nugget your way

Q1: When was the last tie in college football?

The NCAA introduced overtime for bowl games in 1995. It was adopted for the entire 1996 regular season, effectively eliminating ties from the sport.

Q2: What made the 1986 tie against Pitt so significant?

It broke a cycle of losing seasons and ignited team confidence. That single result propelled NC State to a transformative year and a bowl game appearance.

Q3: Who was the NC State quarterback during that 1986 season?

Erik Kramer led the offense. He was later named the ACC Player of the Year and enjoyed a lengthy career in the National Football League.

Q4: How did the 1986 season end for the Wolfpack?

NC State finished 8-3-1. The season concluded with a narrow 25-24 loss to Virginia Tech in the Peach Bowl on a last-second field goal.

Q5: Why are ties no longer possible in college football?

The NCAA overtime rule was implemented to determine a clear winner. The system ensures every game has a decisive outcome for rankings and records.

Trusted Sources

ESPN, NCAA Official Record Book, The Wolfpacker, Associated Press