NC State improved to 3-2 on the year and wrapped up its nonconference schedule with a 24-17 win over Northern Illinois — an absolute grind of a game that asked a lot out of the Wolfpack defense. The offense finished with 176 total yards.

NC State football recorded its third win of the season in its final non-conference matchup against Northern Illinois in a 24-17 victory. Though the offense struggled, the defense and special teams stepped up to help secure a win. Here are some takeaways from Saturday’s win.

N.C. State scored a defensive touchdown, set up another with a backfield takeaway, and the Wolfpack held off NIU with a fourth-quarter defensive stand.

It wasn’t the prettiest offensive showing, but NC State’s defense rose to the challenge to help push the Wolfpack past Northern Illinois 24-17 at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Here is what those who covered the game are saying about the Pack’s third win of the season.

Here is a collection of photos from NC State's 24-17 home win over Northern Illinois.

Following a physical week of practice, N.C. State football responded with a strong defensive effort in its win vs. Northern Illinois. Here's what happened.