Even though junior quarterback Marcus Stone only completed seven passes for 36 yards in the season opener, he maintained the team could win with such performances — even with less than 50 yards in the air.

Stone completed 7-of-10 passes for 36 yards and one touchdown in the opening half, but followed that with an 0-for-3, one-interception performance in the second half in N.C. State’s 23-10 victory against Appalachian State (0-1) Saturday night at Carter-Finley Stadium.

As for whether the team could win with passing numbers similar to his on Saturday night, Stone said he had little doubt.

“Well, you saw tonight we got a win,” Stone said. “So yeah.”

Some Wolfpack (1-0) players said they had no worries about the discrepancy between the number of runs and passes.

Stone threw 13 passes compared with a total of 44 runs among sophomore running backs Andre Brown and Toney Baker, freshman running back Jamelle Eugene, junior wide receiver Darrell Blackman and Stone.

“We’re going to do what it takes to win,” Amato said. “And that quarterback is 6-1 as a starter.”

However, before the start of the season, Stone said the team was planning on passing and running an equal amount.

But after a first half that saw Brown surpass the 100-yard mark in rushing, Amato went to offensive coordinator Marc Trestman and said the team should try to focus on the run — something Stone said he did not mind.

“We were up and [it was] the coaches’ decision, and they just wanted to manage the clock with running the ball,” Stone said.

“I’m going with what the coaches say and whatever it takes to win. That’s my biggest philosophy.”

It’s a philosophy the running backs said didn’t bother them, either. Baker said the Mountaineers were able to get pressure on Stone to the point where he couldn’t get too comfortable.

“They had pretty good pressure,” Baker said. “Marcus wasn’t really able to sit in the pocket too long, but you got to give it up to them — they are defending national champs and they came in ready to play, too.”

And after a game that featured more than 75 percent runs, Brown said teams will take note. He added the team will have to get better at passing to keep winning games.

“We have to,” Brown said. “Especially when guys put eight in the box, we are going to have to throw that ball. We’re going to throw the ball.”

Stone also acknowledged the offense needed work, but said he felt more comfortable at the quarterback position.

“Like I said, I’ve still got more improvement to do,” Stone said. “I’m not satisfied with my game play. I mean, I never probably will be. But I’m just going to keep working on it.”

According to Stone, a win is a win, no matter the stats.

“Whenever we win, that’s all that matters to me,” Stone said. “I could care less what my stats are. If I have 23 passing yards, if I throw 17 times, we get a win, [then] I don’t care.”

The 36 passing yards was the lowest total in a victory for the Pack since its win against South Carolina in 1999 when Jamie Barnette had 18 yards during the remnants of Hurricane Dennis.

But Amato insisted Stone is going to be all right.

“We just got to keep working on it,” Amato said. “Believe me, Marcus is going to be fine.”