Dayes, NC State defense lead Wolfpack to win over Syracuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- After several tough losses, including an overtime heartbreaker against No. 3 Clemson, North Carolina State is now poised to go to a bowl. All they need is one more win. Matt Dayes ran for 108 yards and three touchdowns, and the NC State defense held Syracuse to 218 yards in a 35-20 victory on Saturday. "The resiliency of our football team, losing four of our five games by a possession, they've been able to stick together. I'm really proud of them today," Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren said. "This gets that carrot in front of their nose for the bowl opportunity. You want to feel the pleasure of your work and you can't do that by almost winning. This gives them the satisfaction of the grind and they needed that today. "I feel very confident about our bowl chances," added defensive end Bradley Chubb .