Wolfpack celebrate win over Cards

RALEIGH, N.C. — NC State coach Dave Doeren spent the weeks leading up to the season repeatedly saying his Wolfpack team was ready for a big step forward after years of building depth and experience.

Halfway through the schedule, his team is proving him right.

Nyheim Hines ran for two touchdowns while the defense slowed reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson to help No. 24 North Carolina State beat No. 17 Louisville 39-25 late Thursday night.

“Told our team it was coming, told y’all it was coming, some of you believed me, some of you didn't,” Doeren said. “But I'm really excited and you can just feel it right now in our locker room. They believe they're the best team.”

The Wolfpack (5-1, 3-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) got contributions throughout the lineup. Hines ran for 102 yards and had a 48-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter to set up a touchdown drive. Ryan Finley directed a passing attack that posted two 100-yard receivers and a third player who finished with 99 yards.

Then there was the defensive front — led by preseason Associated Press All-American Bradley Chubb — that kept the pressure on Jackson. Jackson ran for two scores and threw a touchdown pass, but the Wolfpack sacked him four times and got a clinching interception return.

Associated Press