Junior Matt Dayes is like any other running back.  He wants a majority of the touches, and on Saturday he got his wish.  With Senior Shadrach Thornton out due to suspension, Dayes stepped in and took a majority of the carries and proved that he can be a workhorse.  He set career highs in carries (24) and rushing yards (126).  Dayes’ previous career high in carries was 17 in his very first collegiate game against Louisiana Tech as a Freshman.  His previous career high in rushing yards was 86 yards last season against Presbyterian on September 20th.

Over two seasons, Dayes has been a regular presence in the end zone, and the trend continued on Saturday, rushing for two touchdowns (1 yard & 30 yard).  Dayes’ 20 career touchdowns ranks 12th in NC State history.

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett also looked the way of Dayes more than any other receivers.  He led the Wolfpack in receptions (5) and receiving yards (65) against Troy.

He finished the night with 191 total yards and an average of 5.2 yards per carry.

Dayes showed that he can handle a full workload.  He showed his versatility.  He showed the ability to make people miss, cutting at full speed.  He showed the whole package that any college coach is looking for in a running back against Troy, but don’t count him as one the ones impressed.

“I wasn’t really happy with what I did tonight, but I am happy we got the win,” said Dayes.  “I feel like I could have done better on a bunch of runs.”

NC State head coach Dave Doeren was pleased with Dayes performance, but not surprised in the least.  This is who he knows Matt Dayes to be.

“He ran like we thought he’d run to be honest with you.” said Doeren.

Dayes might have super high expectations for himself, and Doeren might have expected this out of him, but this was the first real taste for most of the world of just how good he truly is.