In a thrilling back-and-forth game, East Carolina beat NC State in the Military Bowl 26-21. The Pirates’ up-tempo running game gave the Wolfpack defense problems. NC State fought hard in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough.
The Pirates came into the game with a chip on its shoulder ready to show what is to come in the future. The Wolfpack showed up not as motivated as their opponent. It cost them early in the game going down by two scores. Even with a great fourth-quarter comeback, the Pack could not completely overcome the odds. Now ECU has more momentum heading into 2025 while the Wolfpack has much to figure out.
ECU Riding Wave of Momentum
With this Military Bowl win ECU is riding a wave of momentum into the 2025 season. The Pirates have now won five of their last six games. Head coach Blake Harrell has his team fired up going into the offseason.
Beating an in-state rival is one thing but to do it in the fashion East Carolina did was a statement. The Pirates dominated on the ground with 326 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Rahjai Harris had 220 yards rushing and one touchdown. The Wolfpack defense could not stop him all night. They also could not stop quarterback Katin Houser…