RALEIGH, N.C. – Freshman Matt Dayes ran for 84 yards and three touchdowns to help North Carolina State beat Louisiana Tech 40-14 on Saturday in its first game under coach Dave Doeren.
Tony Creecy also scored for the Wolfpack (1-0), who scored the first 24 points with Doeren's no-huddle offense and led comfortably all afternoon.
Still, an early left foot injury to starting quarterback Brandon Mitchell put a damper on the afternoon. Mitchell, who beat out Pete Thomas for the job during training camp, directed N.C. State to touchdowns on its first two possessions before leaving midway through the opening quarter.
Mitchell returned to the sideline late in the first half on crutches and wearing a protective boot.
Kenneth Dixon ran for 118 yards and a touchdown for the Bulldogs (0-1), who lost their first game under new coach Skip Holtz.
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