SYRACUSE, N.Y. _ N.C. State has been in a lot of close games this season, losing some gut-churners.
But the Pack wouldn't let another victory get away Saturday, topping Syracuse 35-20 at the Carrier Dome.
Matt Dayes, running hard, busting tackles, ran for 108 yards and three touchdowns, and quarterback Ryan Finley shook off a first-half injury to pass for 340 yards on a 20-for-29 day.
The Wolfpack (5-5, 2-4 ACC) ended a four-game losing streak and now needs one victory in its last two games to become bowl eligible. The Orange, playing without injured quarterback Eric Dungey, fell to 4-6 and 2-4.
The Wolfpack let a tough loss to Clemson linger last month, and some had to wonder if last week's 24-20 loss to Florida State would have the same effect. The Orange jumped out to a 7-0 lead Saturday, scoring on their first possession.
But an interception by the Pack's Jack Tocho on Syracuse's next possession was a momentum-shifter. N.C. State went 82 yards to tie the score on Dayes' first TD run, from seven yards.
The Pack learned just before kickoff that Dungey would be unable to play for Syracuse. Dungey took a big hit last week against Clemson and was questionable for Saturday's game.
Dungey has had six 300-yard passing games this season. His replacement, Zack Mahoney, had thrown 13 passes before Saturday. But Mahoney, who played last season against the Pack, was effective at times Saturday.
Mahoney had an 81-yard touchdown throw to Amba Etta-Tawo in the third quarter just after the Pack had taken a 21-10 lead on Finley's 68-yard scoring pass to Kelvin Harmon.
Moments later, the Orange blocked a punt, taking over at the Pack 17. But the Wolfpack defense limited the damage to a field goal, keeping the lead, then put together a 90-yard drive.
Finley, who injured a foot in the first half, had four third-down completions and Dayes raced around right end for his 20-yard score.
Orange fans in the crowd of 34,842 were roaring later when Mahoney went deep for an apparent TD. But a chop-block penalty against Syracuse negated the play and the Orange had to punt.
A third Dayes scoring run had Orange fans leaving the dome.
