CJ Bailey ran and threw for first-half touchdowns, but North Carolina State needed a late defensive stand to secure a 24-17 victory against visiting East Carolina in Thursday night's season opener at Raleigh, N.C.

Hollywood Smothers rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries as the Wolfpack avenged last December's Military Bowl loss that included a late-game brawl.

Bailey was 24-for-34 for 318 yards with an interception and picked up another 21 yards on the ground. Wesley Grimes compiled 121 receiving yards on four catches with a touchdown.

East Carolina quarterback Katin Houser went 30-for-44 for 366 yards and a touchdown. NC State held the Pirates to just 30 rushing yards.

Even though East Carolina scored the game's final 10 points, Houser's pass on fourth-and-1 inside the NC

See Full Page