BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Fitting that Rutgers would end the 2008 season with a come-from-behind win.

After winning only one of their first six games, Mike Teel and the Scarlet Knights erased an 11-point second-half deficit to defeat North Carolina State, 29-23, in the Papajohns.com Bowl yesterday.

"As the whole year went, we were able to fight through adversity and stick to it, stick to the plan," coach Greg Schiano said. "This game was very much indicative of our season. They stuck with it. You make your own breaks, and they did."

Leading the comeback — as he did all season — was Teel, who passed for 319 yards and two touchdowns, including a 42-yard scoring toss to Kenny Britt to give the Scarlet Knights (8-5) the lead for good in the fourth quarter.

"We knew that somehow, someway we could get out of that hole. You looked around that locker room, there wasn't one ounce of panic or doubt," Teel said. "It was just a matter of continuing to do what we've done to get us into this position."

Teel's pass to Britt with 8:30 to play proved to be the winning touchdown. Britt, a third-team All-American, made a juggling catch as he crossed the goal line and finished with six catches for 119 yards.

Teel, a senior, was the game's most valuable player. He ended his career on a seven-game winning streak after being booed at home when he was struggling earlier in the season.

Schiano said he didn't have to give his team much of a pep talk at the half with his team down 17-6.

"I had to say very little about what we were going to do in the second half. Our seniors stepped up, really throughout the game. It was probably the most relaxed I've seen our guys as far as just playing football," Schiano said.

N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson was 11 for 23 for 186 yards and a score. But Wilson left the game with a strained knee late in the first half and did not return.

His replacements were mostly ineffective and threw three interceptions to aid the Rutgers' comeback. Wilson threw one interception all season.

N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien said doctors recommended that Wilson not play in the second half.

"There's no politicking when the doctor recommends you don't play," O'Brien said.

But O'Brien would not blame the loss on the injury.

"You can't blame it on injuries. We had our opportunities in the third quarter and couldn't seem to make a play," O'Brien said.

N.C. State (6-7) turned the ball over four times, including one lost fumble and the three second-half interceptions.

"We certainly didn't play what we feel is our best game, but we played hard and overcame some things," O'Brien said.