A look back: Wolfpack powers past Trojans in 49-21 win

N.C. State Wolfpack, theACC.com

RALEIGH, N.C. – The N.C. State Wolfpack opened its season with a commanding 49-21 win over the Troy Trojans in front of 57,451 at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday.

It was the Wolfpack’s third season-opening win in as many seasons under head coach Dave Doeren, a good start to following up an 8-5 campaign last year.

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett (21-23, 196 yards, 2 TDs) led an offense that totaled 450 yards, rushed 58 times for 251 yards, and scored seven touchdowns.

Running back Matt Dayes, (24 rushes, 126 yards) scored twice and set career highs for carries and total yards, while running back Jaylen Samuels (4 rushes, 37 yards) scored three times.

The long and short: N.C. State set the tone early on, scoring after completing an eight-play, 62-yard drive on its first possession as Samuels scored from 14 yards out.

Brissett completed his first 12 passes in the game, and found nine different receivers to throw to throughout the game.

The Wolfpack went 6-for-6 in the Red Zone, and didn’t require any help from its place kickers.

Nineteen players, including 10 true freshmen, earned playing time in their first game as the Wolfpack posted its highest point total in a game since 2003.

Offensive Keys: In addition to a career day running the ball, Dayes also made 5 catches for 65 yards.

Reggie Gallaspy carried his load of the offense, finishing with 13 carries totaling 50 yards, while Jumichael Ramos made three catches for 45 yards, including a touchdown grab.

Defensive Keys: Safety Josh Jones led all tacklers with six, while linebacker Dravious Wright made the most emphatic physical impact in the game by lighting up Troy quarterback Brandon Silver on a tackle.

Wright finished with four tackles on the night, claiming a sack, a fumble and a successful fumble recovery, while fellow linebacker Airius Moore also assisted on four tackles.

What’s next: N.C. State prepares to host Eastern Kentucky at 6 p.m. on Saturday