RALEIGH, N.C. -- NC State opened their season against FCS runner-up James Madison University.
- NC State defeated JMU 24-13
- The heat played a factor in the game with many players cramping often
- Wolfpack welcomes Georgia State to Carter Finley Saturday
It was no pushover, and the Wolfpack got down by a touchdown quick. Answering the bell was former walk-on Thayer Thomas. The wide receiver scored on a 16 yard pass from All-ACC quarterback Ryan Finley in the second quarter.
Leading 10-7, the Wolfpack increased their lead with 18 seconds left in the the half with a 14 yard touchdown from Finley to CJ Riley. The Pack held the Dukes to just a field goal in the third quarter. The NC State defense answered the bell time and time again.
JMU made five red zone trips but came away with only one TD. The FCS powerhouse scored another field goal with 6:59 left in the 4th quarter cutting the lead to 17-13. The resilient Pack marched down the field on an 11 play, 84 yard drive.
Sealing the fate of the Dukes came with a 39 yard completion on 3rd and 9 from Finley to redshirt junior Jakobi Meyers. The Georgia native had quite the day with 14 receptions for 161 yards. Ryan Finley was Ryan Finley completing 29/34 for 309 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The heat played a factor in the matchup with many players on both sides cramping often. Meyers left the game with an ankle injury but returned to catch the longest completion of the day and helped seal the Wolfpack's win. Reggie Gallapsy capped off the final drive with a 6 yard touchdown run to give NC State the 24-13 win.
The Wolfpack welcomes Georgia State to Carter Finley Saturday for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff.