In a game NC State head coach Dave Doeren desperately needs to win, his Wolfpack lead No. 22 Florida State 13-10 at the half in Raleigh.
NC State quarterback Ryan Finley opened the game by tossing an interception on the Pack’s first drive, but redeemed himself with a 28-yard touchdown strike to Bra’Lon Cherry to stake his club to a 7-0 lead with 1:52 to play in the first quarter.
Florida State answered with a 32-yard Ricky Aguayo field goal, but NC State could not return serve as Kyle Bambard missed a 31-yarder.
NC State was able to extend the lead to 10-3 on their next drive, though, as Connor Haskins booted a 20-yard chip shot with 4:01 to play before the half.
The Seminoles answered with their first touchdown drive of the day, moving 75 yards in seven plays, the last of which a 2-yard Jacques Patrick scoring plunge at the 1:20 mark of the second quarter. NC State reclaimed the lead when Haskins knocked in a 39-yard field goal with six seconds left on the clock.
Finley has hit 14-of-22 throws for 208 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while the Wolfpack have rushed 26 times for 77 yards.
Florida State, meanwhile, has managed only 34 yards on 12 rushes, while Deondre Francois connected on 7-of-17 throws for 102 yards in the half.
Florida State will receive to open the second half.