RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) NC State's defense battered Syracuse quarterback Tommy DeVito for eight sacks, including one by Larrell Murchison in the final seconds to seal a 16-10 win Thursday night.

The Wolfpack (4-2, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) led all night and by as much as 16-0 in the third quarter before having to come up with a final stop to maintain its hold on the win.

DeVito connected with Trishton Jackson for a 2-yard touchdown with 3 minutes left for Syracuse (3-3, 0-2), then the Orange forced an immediate three-and-out to get the ball back with a chance to win.

But that drive only got a few yards past midfield before Murchison brought down DeVito on a third down. Syracuse had no timeouts as time dwindled then was called for a false start penalty with 2 seconds left, causing a clock runoff to end the game.

NC State's defensive showing bought plenty of cover for the Wolfpack's offense under quarterback Bailey Hockman, who came out a winner in his first start despite leading an offense that lacked any big-play potential.

NC State's only touchdown came on a double-pass, with receiver Thayer Thomas connecting downfield with Trent Pennix for a 32-yard score shortly before halftime. Hockman's first two drives ended in field goals from Christopher Dunn, who added another kick in the third quarter for the Wolfpack's 16-0 lead.

UP NEXT

Syracuse: The Orange host Pittsburgh in a cross-divisional league game next Friday.

NC State: Boston College hosts the Wolfpack on Oct. 19.