Brett Favre, who passed for 341 yards, drove the Golden Eagles 86 yards for a final touchdown, with a five-yard run by Michael Welch cutting the N.C. State lead to four. Southern Mississippi had two chances at a two-point conversion, getting a second shot after an N.C. State penalty, but failed on both.
It proved to be a crucial failing when, with time running down, Favre drove the Golden Eagles to the N.C. State 20. With Southern Mississippi forced because of the failed conversion to try for a touchdown instead of a field goal, Favre was sacked by N.C. State's Mark Thomas as time expired.