NC State’s offense bounces back from bad opening night with 65-7 win over Murray State

Wolfpack roughs up Racers 65-7

RALEIGH, N.C. — Russell Wilson threw four touchdown passes to help North Carolina State’s offense bounce back from a miserable showing in its opener and beat Murray State 65-7 on Saturday night.

Toney Baker had two rushing scores and a receiving touchdown for the Wolfpack (1-1), who led 45-0 at halftime and scored on its first 10 drives before punting in the fourth quarter. Wilson finished with 228 yards passing.

It was a 484-yard day for N.C. State, which had 133 yards in last week’s 7-3 home loss to South Carolina. It was the most points ever scored by a Tom O’Brien-coached team, including his 10 years at Boston College.

N.C. State’s defense and special teams helped out, too. Leroy Burgess recovered fumbles on the Racers’ first two possessions to set up short touchdown drives, while T.J. Graham had a 57-yard punt return later in the half that put the Wolfpack at Murray State’s 1.

With the Wolfpack leading 65-0 with about five minutes left in the third quarter, N.C. State had rolled to 440 total yards and 23 first downs compared to minus-5 total yards and one first down for the Racers (1-1).

The only highlight for Murray State came when Nico Yantko connected with Daniel Ard on a 2-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter. The Racers finished with 36 yards of offense.

Wilson also extended his interception-free streak to 293 passes, moving him into second place in NCAA history.