WATCH: Highlights | Jakobi Meyers' Big Day Paces Wolfpack Victory

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Jakobi Meyers had career highs of 14 catches for 161 yards - including two big third-down grabs on the clinching late drive - to help North Carolina State beat James Madison 24-13 in Saturday's season opener for both teams.

Reggie Gallaspy II added a 6-yard touchdown run with 65 seconds left to seal this one for the Wolfpack. But that came only after Meyers got wide open on the left side for a 39-yard catch on third-and-long earlier in the drive, then followed with a tough 10-yard catch to move the sticks despite getting sandwiched by two defenders.

Ryan Finley threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns for the Wolfpack.

Ben DiNucci started at QB and threw for 197 yards with a score for the tested Dukes, who won the 2016 Championship Subdivision title and reached the title game last year.

THE TAKEAWAY

NC State: The entire preseason has been about finding out how well the Wolfpack developed experienced players to replace a crop of NFL draft picks from a nine-win season. Things were bumpy Saturday; an offense led by a NFL QB prospect Finley and several big returning receivers had trouble sustaining drives and managed a meager 83 yards rushing. Meyers played the biggest role in helping the Wolfpack stay a step ahead and avoid a momentum-sapping upset for the program.

UP NEXT

NC State: Georgia State visits the Wolfpack next Saturday.