North Carolina State running back Matt Dayes scored three touchdowns as part of another big outing as the Wolfpack decked Eastern Kentucky 35-0 on Saturday night at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C.

Dayes, who has become the go-to option out of the backfield at the beginning of the season because of a two-game suspension for tailback Shadrach Thornton, gained 116 yards on 24 carries.

Dayes scored on runs of 25, 1 and 3 yards.

Tight end Benson Browne opened the scoring with a 5-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jacoby Brissett with 12:54 remaining in the second quarter.

Fullback Jaylen Samuels added a 12-yard touchdown run later in the first half.

Brissett was 17 of 22 through the air for 216 yards. He completed 10 of 13 first-half passes.

The Wolfpack covered 70 yards in four plays to open the second half, with Dayes scampering 25 yards for a touchdown.

A heavy rain struck later in the second half.

N.C. State was held scoreless in the first quarter, in part because Kyle Bambard's first-quarter field goal attempt from 33 yards was blocked.

Eastern Kentucky (1-1) was in scoring position late in the first half after moving to the N.C. State 2-yard line. The Wolfpack stiffened and a fourth-down pass was incomplete.