RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Eight months after losing to East Carolina in the Military Bowl, North Carolina State football got revenge.
The Wolfpack (1-0) made a defensive stance at the end of the game to hold off the Pirates (0-1) 24-17 Thursday night at Carter-Finley Stadium.
CJ Bailey threw for 318 yards, completing 24 of 34 passes and finding Wesley Grimes — who finished with 121 yards on four receptions — for a touchdown. The sophomore also ran in to the endzone for a score and threw one interception.
Behind Grimes, Teddy Hoffman was the second-leading receiver with 93 yards on five catches for the Wolfpack. On the ground, Hollywood Smothers had 22 carries for 76 yards and a rushing touchdown in the victory.
ECU quarterback Katin Houser completed 30 of 44 passes for 366 yards and one passing touchdown. That score went to Jayvontay Conner, who had just two carries but a total of 98 yards to lead the Pirates’ receivers. Brock Spalding was right behind him with 97 yards on six receptions for ECU in the loss.