DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — If there were questions about how No. 17 Duke’s offense would operate with a new quarterback Saturday night, they sure didn’t spread to the defense.

The Blue Devils rode a pair of touchdown throws from Henry Belin IV in his first career start and benefitted from a dominant defensive performance to beat North Carolina State 24-3.

The Blue Devils (5-1, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) limited N.C. State (4-3, 1-2) to 301 yards of total offense. Duke’s Jordan Waters rushed for 123 yards on 13 carries, the highlight an 83-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Belin was filling in for Leonard, who wasn’t in uniform after suffering an ankle injury in the final seconds of a loss to Notre Dame two weeks ago.

Belin, a redshirt freshman, completed 4 of 12 passes for 107 yards with an interception.

N.C. State had trouble sustaining offense in MJ Morris’ second start of the season at quarterback. He replaced Brennan Armstrong in the first-string role prior to a 48-41 home win over Marshall a week ago, but there was no big point total for the Wolfpack this time. Morris was 24 for 40 for 193 yards and an interception.

Duke had its 11 defenders in sync, something coach Mike Elko knew would be critical. He said whichever team played best on defense would be in good shape.

N.C. State’s only points came on Brayden Narveson’s school-record 57-yard field goal to open the scoring less than two minutes into the game. The kick followed an inception by Shyheim Battle, who returned the ball to the Duke 38.

Duke, which had 301 yards of offense, had the next batch of big plays.

The Blue Devils’ first points came on Jalon Calhoun’s 69-yard touchdown catch from Belin. The lead grew to 10-3 on Todd Pelino’s career-long 52-yard field goal early in the second quarter.

Duke scored one play after Freeman’s interception and return to the N.C. State 8. Belin threw to tight end Jeremiah Hasley for the points for a 17-3 halftime lead.

Belin didn’t connect on his only second-half pass.

UP NEXT

N.C. State: Host Clemson on Oct. 28.

Duke: At No. 4 Florida State on Saturday.