ANNAPOLIS, MD – East Carolina secured a 23-17 victory over Pittsburgh in the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon, claiming its ninth win of the season and second consecutive bowl victory.

True freshman Chaston Ditta, making his first career start at quarterback, completed 8 of 17 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Both scoring strikes went to wide receiver Anthony Smith, who was named the game's MVP after catching four passes for 156 yards. Smith's touchdown receptions of 47 and 72 yards proved to be the difference in a game that featured five Pittsburgh turnovers.

The Pirates improved to 9-0 when scoring first this season after Nick Mazzie connected on a 42-yard field goal with 11:42 remaining in the second quarter to give East Carolina a 3-0 lead. Pittsburgh responded with a 10-play, 77-yard drive capped by a 22-yard touchdown pass from Mason Heintschel to Raphael Williams Jr. with four seconds left in the first half, sending the Panthers into the break with a 7-3 advantage.

The third quarter belonged to East Carolina. After Pittsburgh had driven to the East Carolina 44 on the opening possession of the second half, Heintschel was sacked and fumbled. Kendrick DuJour recovered at the Pittsburgh 47, and on the very next play, Ditta found Smith for a 47-yard touchdown pass. The extra point gave the Pirates a 10-7 lead just seven seconds into the drive.

Pittsburgh answered quickly when Rasheem Biles returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown at the 4:33 mark of the third quarter, putting the Panthers back in front 14-10. The lead lasted only 35 seconds. Ditta connected with Smith again, this time for a 72-yard touchdown on a two-play, 75-yard drive that gave East Carolina a 17-14 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

The Pirates extended their lead to 20-14 on Mazzie's 33-yard field goal with 14:18 remaining in the game, capping a seven-play, 19-yard drive that started after another Pittsburgh turnover. Mazzie added a 28-yard field goal with 6:41 left to push the margin to nine points at 23-14.

Pittsburgh mounted a furious rally in the final minutes. Heintschel, who finished 25 of 40 for 256 yards with one touchdown and one interception, led a 14-play, 72-yard drive that resulted in a 21-yard field goal by Trey Butkowski with 1:23 remaining. The Panthers' onside kick attempt traveled only seven yards and was recovered by East Carolina at the Pittsburgh 42.

The Pirates ran three plays and punted with 57 seconds left, giving Pittsburgh one final chance from its own 20-yard line. Heintschel completed passes to Justin Holmes and Justin Cook to move the chains, but a pass interference penalty on Raphael Williams Jr. pushed the ball back to the Pittsburgh 34. Heintschel's final rush ended at the 38-yard line as time expired.

Pittsburgh's ground game produced 120 yards on 40 carries, led by Ja'Kyrian Turner's 93 yards on 16 attempts. However, the Panthers' four fumbles lost proved costly. Turner fumbled twice, while Kenny Johnson and Heintschel each lost one fumble. East Carolina's defense also recorded an interception by Kevon Merrell, who returned it 70 yards to set up the Pirates' third field goal.

Heintschel was sacked four times by the East Carolina defense. DuJour led the pass rush with two sacks for 18 yards, while Jasiyah Robinson added 1.5 sacks for 12 yards. The Pirates finished with seven tackles for loss totaling 45 yards.

For Pittsburgh, Holmes led all receivers with six catches for 100 yards, while Cook added six receptions for 30 yards and rushed for 28 yards on eight carries. Williams caught five passes for 57 yards and the Panthers' only receiving touchdown.

East Carolina's ground game managed just 72 yards on 42 attempts, with Marlon Gunn Jr. leading the way with 50 yards on 18 carries. The Pirates' offensive success came through the air, where Ditta averaged 22.1 yards per completion.

Teagan Wilk paced the East Carolina defense with nine tackles, including six solo stops, and forced a fumble. Fumble recoveries by DuJour, Jordy Lowery, Jackson Barker and J.D. Lampley gave the Pirates four takeaways on fumbles alone.

Pittsburgh controlled time of possession 33:05 to 26:55 and held advantages in first downs (24-11) and total offense yards (376-249). The Panthers converted 5 of 15 third-down attempts and 3 of 5 fourth-down tries. East Carolina converted just 2 of 15 third downs but capitalized on Pittsburgh's mistakes.

The victory marked East Carolina's 12th bowl win in program history and improved the Pirates' all-time bowl record to 12-11. The nine-win season was the program's first since 2013 when the Pirates won 10 games. East Carolina has now won three consecutive bowl games, matching the program's longest bowl winning streak set from 1963-65.

Top Performers:

• Anthony Smith (ECU): 4 receptions, 156 yards, 2 TDs
• Mason Heintschel (Pitt): 25-40, 256 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Chaston Ditta (ECU): 8-17, 177 yards, 2 TDs
• Justin Holmes (Pitt): 6 receptions, 100 yards
• Ja'Kyrian Turner (Pitt): 16 carries, 93 yards

North Carolina will be well represented in the college football postseason. Four of the state’s seven FBS programs, NC State, Duke, Wake Forest, and East Carolina, secured bowl invitations Sunday as the 2025-26 lineup was announced. After several teams declined, App State accepted a bowl invitation late Sunday as well. North Carolina and Charlotte were left out of the field, leaving five teams to carry the state’s banner into December and January.

NC State – Gasparilla Bowl

NC State (7-5) heads to Tampa to face Memphis (8-4) in the Gasparilla Bowl on Dec. 19. The Wolfpack closed the season with a rivalry win over UNC and will lean on their defense to slow a Tigers offense averaging more than 30 points per game. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Duke – Sun Bowl

Fresh off its first outright ACC title since 1962, Duke (8-5) meets Arizona State (8-4) in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31. The Blue Devils’ defense will be tested by ASU’s dual-threat quarterback, while coach Manny Diaz looks to cap his debut season with a statement win. Game time is 2 p.m. ET on CBS.

Wake Forest – Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Wake Forest (8-4) returns to Charlotte for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Mississippi State (5-7) on Jan. 2. First-year coach Jake Dickert guided the Deacs to a steady finish, and his offense will try to exploit a Bulldogs team that slipped into the postseason via APR. Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

East Carolina – Military Bowl

East Carolina (8-4) rides late-season momentum into the Military Bowl against Pitt (8-4) on Dec. 27. Quarterback Katin Houser leads a Pirates offense averaging nearly 500 yards per game, while Pitt counters with a physical defense that thrives on pressure. The game begins at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN.

App State – Birmingham Bowl

App State (5-7) steps into the Birmingham Bowl against Georgia Southern (7-5) on Dec. 29. The Mountaineers accepted a late invitation after several teams declined, setting up a Sun Belt rivalry rematch at Protective Stadium. Kickoff is 2 p.m. ET on ESPN.

BOCA RATON, FL – East Carolina dismantled Florida Atlantic 42-3 on Saturday afternoon at Schellenberger Field, scoring all of its points in the first half to improve to 8-4 overall and 6-2 in American Conference play. The six conference victories represent the most in program history since joining the American in 2014.

Quarterback Katin Houser directed the offensive attack, completing 20 of 29 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns while adding 67 yards and two more scores on the ground. Running back Marlon Gunn Jr. rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt as East Carolina finished with 524 total yards of offense.

The Pirates needed just 4:33 to score on their opening possession, driving 75 yards on 13 plays before Gunn Jr. plunged in from one yard out with 10:27 remaining in the first quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Florida Atlantic fumbled the ball away after a short reception by Easton Messer. Linebacker Jordy Lowery forced the fumble and defensive back Jasiyah Robinson recovered at the FAU 27-yard line.

One play later, Houser hit Desirrio Riles for a 27-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-0 just 17 seconds after the first score. The quick-strike sequence set the tone for a dominant first half.

East Carolina struck again following a FAU punt, marching 84 yards on six plays in 2:14. Houser connected with Brock Spalding for a 22-yard touchdown pass at the 7:04 mark, pushing the lead to 21-0. The three scoring drives consumed a total of just 7:17 of game time.

Florida Atlantic (4-8, 3-5 American) got on the board with a 33-yard field goal by Garrison Smith with one minute left in the opening quarter, but that would be the Owls' only score of the afternoon.

The second quarter brought more of the same for East Carolina. After a 14-play, 75-yard drive that took 5:06 off the clock, Houser scored on a four-yard run to extend the lead to 28-3. The Pirates converted six of six third-down attempts in the second quarter alone, keeping Florida Atlantic's defense on the field.

Defensive back Teagan Wilk intercepted FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp in the second quarter and returned it 35 yards to the Florida Atlantic 39-yard line. The turnover led to another East Carolina touchdown drive, this one covering 61 yards on 10 plays. Running back Rion Roseborough scored from one yard out to make it 35-3 with 3:10 left in the half.

East Carolina saved its most efficient drive for last in the opening half. Starting from their own 24-yard line with 1:42 remaining, the Pirates drove 76 yards on nine plays in just 1:28. Houser capped the drive with a seven-yard touchdown run with 14 seconds left before halftime, sending the Pirates to the locker room with a 42-3 advantage.

The first-half dominance was evident in the statistics. East Carolina converted nine of 10 third-down attempts in the first 30 minutes while rushing for 197 yards on 35 carries. The Pirates controlled possession for 20:56 of the first half and built an insurmountable lead.

Riles finished with seven receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown, while Spalding caught five passes for 76 yards and a score. Running back London Montgomery added 53 yards on 17 carries as East Carolina averaged 4.8 yards per rush as a team.

The East Carolina defense forced three turnovers and recorded four sacks. Safety Ja'Marley Riddle intercepted Veltkamp twice, returning one for 10 yards in the third quarter and recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter at the ECU four-yard line to snuff out Florida Atlantic's best scoring opportunity of the second half.

Veltkamp completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards with two interceptions and was sacked four times. Backup quarterback Zach Gibson entered in the second half and completed 12 of 20 passes for 116 yards with one interception. The Florida Atlantic offense managed just 39 yards rushing on 22 attempts, averaging 1.8 yards per carry.

Defensive end Zion Wilson recorded two sacks for the Pirates, while linebacker Kevon Merrell led the team with eight total tackles. East Carolina held Florida Atlantic to three of 15 conversions on third down and recorded nine tackles for loss totaling 43 yards.

The second half became a formality with East Carolina's large lead. The Pirates played conservatively and did not score after halftime, instead running clock and giving playing time to reserves. Backup quarterback Mike Wright Jr. saw action and also handled punting duties.

Florida Atlantic's most sustained drive came late in the third quarter and extended into the fourth. The Owls drove from their own 26-yard line to the East Carolina four-yard line, covering 70 yards on 11 plays over nearly 14 minutes. However, Gibson fumbled on a rush from the one-yard line, and Riddle recovered to end the threat.

Messer led Florida Atlantic with 10 receptions for 86 yards, and running back Gemari Sands had 34 rushing yards on nine carries to pace the ground game. The Owls finished with 338 total yards but could not capitalize on their 34:39 time of possession advantage.

The Pirates now await their bowl destination, having secured postseason eligibility for the fourth time in the last five years. Be sure to check Carolina Gridiron’s Bowl Season page for the latest information.

CONWAY – East Carolina delivered a dominant defensive performance and explosive second-half offense to shut out Coastal Carolina 38-0 Saturday night at Brooks Stadium, marking the Pirates' first road shutout in nearly 25 years.

The victory improved ECU to 2-1 while dropping the Chanticleers to 1-2 in a game that showcased the stark contrast between teams moving in opposite directions. East Carolina's defense forced five turnovers and allowed just 239 total yards, while the offense accumulated 497 yards behind quarterback Katin Houser's efficient passing attack and a ground game that wore down Coastal Carolina in the final quarter.

Early Struggles Give Way to Dominance

The Pirates entered halftime with just a 10-0 lead despite controlling nearly every statistical category. ECU outgained Coastal Carolina 247-88 in the first half and held possession for over 19 minutes, but failed to capitalize on prime scoring opportunities inside the red zone.

East Carolina's first touchdown came on a methodical nine-play drive in the opening quarter, with Houser connecting on his first eight passes of the game. The drive culminated in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Yannick Smith, capping a series that featured two completions each to Anthony Smith, Yannick Smith, and Brock Spalding.

Nick Mazzie extended the lead to 10-0 with a 36-yard field goal late in the first quarter, but the Pirates left points on the field throughout the opening half. After recovering a fumble at Coastal's 48-yard line, ECU drove to the 19 before failing on a fourth-down attempt. Later, following Ja'Marley Riddle's interception at Coastal's 5-yard line, the Pirates reached first-and-goal at the 9 but settled for a field goal attempt that was blocked.

Defense Sets the Tone

ECU's defensive unit, which has allowed just 10 points over its last 10 quarters, suffocated Coastal Carolina's offense from the opening drive. The Chanticleers managed to reach the red zone just once, missing a 48-yard field goal attempt on their opening possession after driving to ECU's 31-yard line.

Coastal Carolina quarterback Tad Hudson, making his first start of the season, completed 19 of 39 passes for 172 yards but was intercepted twice and sacked five times. The Pirates' pass rush, led by five different players recording sacks, accumulated 28 yards in losses and nine tackles for loss overall.

Riddle intercepted Hudson in the first half and returned it 35 yards, while Rasheed Reason added another interception in the fourth quarter. The Pirates also recovered three fumbles, with Kendrick DuJour, Kieran Davis, and Julien Davis each forcing turnovers.

Smith Shines in Breakout Performance

North Carolina State transfer Anthony Smith provided ECU's offensive catalyst, establishing career highs with 11 receptions for 136 yards. Smith's 64 yards after catch proved crucial in extending drives and setting up scoring opportunities. The receiver was one of 10 different Pirates to catch at least one pass from Houser, who completed 28 of 37 attempts for 293 yards and two touchdowns.

Houser's distribution kept Coastal Carolina's defense off balance throughout the contest. Beyond Smith's big night, Brock Spalding contributed four catches for 43 yards, while Yannick Smith hauled in both of Houser's touchdown passes despite finishing with just four receptions for 25 yards.

Ground Game Takes Control

While ECU's rushing attack struggled early, gaining just 91 yards on 33 carries through three quarters, the Pirates dominated the fourth quarter on the ground. East Carolina rushed for 113 yards in the final period alone, finishing with 204 yards on 49 carries for a 4.2-yard average.

London Montgomery led the rushing attack with 59 yards on 15 carries, while Parker Jenkins added 42 yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts. Northwestern transfer Mike Wright Jr. made a significant impact in limited action, gaining 37 yards on just three carries, including an 18-yard touchdown run that extended ECU's lead to 31-0.

Fourth Quarter Explosion

The Pirates transformed a close game into a rout with three fourth-quarter touchdowns. ECU broke the game open early in the final period when Houser found Yannick Smith for his second touchdown pass, a 4-yard connection that capped a 10-play, 59-yard drive.

Wright's 18-yard scoring run came four plays after Reason's interception, showcasing the Pirates' ability to capitalize on turnovers. TJ Engleman Jr. added the final touchdown with 4:08 remaining, scoring from one yard out after Kieran Davis recovered a Coastal Carolina fumble.

Coastal Carolina's Offensive Struggles

The Chanticleers' offense never found rhythm against ECU's aggressive defense. Coastal Carolina managed just 67 rushing yards on 26 attempts, with no individual rusher gaining more than 25 yards. The team's longest play from scrimmage was a 39-yard pass from Hudson to Robby Washington.

Penalties compounded Coastal Carolina's problems, as the Chanticleers were flagged seven times for 55 yards. Two particularly costly penalties in the third quarter wiped out gains of 47 and 21 yards, stalling potential scoring drives.

The Chanticleers entered the game having scored just 13 points in their previous contest, and their offensive struggles continued against ECU's stingy defense. Coastal Carolina converted just 5 of 14 third-down attempts and failed to convert their lone fourth-down opportunity.

Historic Defensive Performance

ECU's shutout marked the program's first road blanking since a 38-0 victory at Duke on September 2, 2000, ending a streak of 306 games. The performance continued a remarkable defensive stretch for the Pirates, who have allowed double-digit scoring in just one game this season.

The defense's statistical dominance extended beyond turnovers and sacks. ECU limited Coastal Carolina to 3.7 yards per play and held the Chanticleers to 26:05 of possession time. The Pirates forced three three-and-out drives and never allowed Coastal Carolina to establish sustained offensive momentum.

Saturday's crowd of 21,634 represented the third-largest in Brooks Stadium history, but the home fans had little to celebrate as ECU controlled the contest from start to finish. The shutout loss marked Coastal Carolina's first since falling 42-0 at Stony Brook on October 29, 2011.

The victory positions ECU well heading into next week's home matchup against undefeated BYU, while Coastal Carolina must regroup and address offensive concerns that have limited the team to just 20 points through three games this season.0

GREENVILLE – In a move that signals continuity and promise, East Carolina University has transformed Blake Harrell's interim leadership into a permanent appointment, crowning him as the 23rd head football coach of the Pirates program.

Harrell's journey to this moment is a testament to leadership and performance. After taking over as interim head coach on October 20, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, guiding the Pirates to four consecutive victories and securing bowl eligibility. The team's offensive explosion during this stretch – scoring 183 points and amassing 2,140 total yards – spoke volumes about Harrell's strategic acumen.

With a defensive background that includes successful tenures at Lenoir-Rhyne, Kennesaw State, and The Citadel, Harrell brings a proven track record of defensive excellence. His defensive units have consistently ranked among the top in their conferences, highlighting his ability to build competitive, disciplined teams.

Athletic Director Jon Gilbert's confidence in Harrell is palpable. "He excelled in all areas," Gilbert noted, praising the coach's dedication, communication skills, and ability to connect with players. Harrell's vision extends beyond the field, with a commitment to navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.

For Harrell, the appointment is more than a professional milestone. "Pirate Nation is second to none," he said, emphasizing his family's commitment to Greenville and the program's future.

As the Pirates prepare for their upcoming bowl game, all eyes are on Harrell – a coach who has transformed an interim opportunity into a definitive leadership role.

GREENVILLE – East Carolina quarterback Katin Houser threw for a career-high 343 yards and five touchdowns as the Pirates dominated Florida Atlantic 49-14 in a Thursday night American Athletic Conference matchup at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

The Pirates (5-4, 3-2 AAC) wasted no time getting started, scoring on their opening drive when Houser connected with Chase Sowell for a 50-yard touchdown just 24 seconds into the game. That quick strike set the tone for what would become ECU’s most productive offensive performance of the season, as they accumulated 581 total yards.

“We got off to a great start putting points up early,” said ECU interim head coach Blake Harrell, who improved to 2-0 since taking over the program on October 20. “The offense and Katin, those guys are clicking over there right now. I’m so proud of them and it’s not just Katin or one player. It’s receivers, running backs, O-line, quarterback, all on the same page and having the same mindset.”

Houser continued his hot streak by finding Winston Wright Jr. for two first-quarter touchdown passes of 47 and 8 yards, helping the Pirates build a 21-0 lead. The junior quarterback has now thrown 10 touchdowns in his last two games and added a 35-yard rushing touchdown before halftime.

East Carolina’s offensive explosion included 418 first-half yards, their highest total in a half since September 2014 against North Carolina. Anthony Smith had a career night with 120 receiving yards on just three catches, including a 64-yard reception and a touchdown. It marked Smith’s second consecutive game with over 100 receiving yards.

The Pirates’ ground game complemented the aerial attack effectively, with Jhari Patterson leading the way with a career-best 61 yards on three carries. Rahjai Harris added 55 yards and a touchdown on eight attempts as ECU averaged 7 yards per rush.

Florida Atlantic (2-7, 0-5 AAC) struggled to contain ECU’s offense throughout the night, though they did manage two second-half scoring drives. The Owls’ touchdowns came on a 2-yard pass from Kasen Weisman to Jabari Smith in the second quarter and another 2-yard touchdown pass to CJ Campbell, Jr. late in the fourth quarter.

The Pirates’ defense continued its opportunistic play, forcing two interceptions. Ja’Marley Riddle recorded his third pick in the last two games, while Gavin Gibson added another interception. Linebacker Zakye Barker led the defensive effort with eight tackles, including 2.5 for loss.

Under the lights at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, a crowd of 30,573 watched as ECU improved to 4-1 at home this season. The strong fan turnout didn’t go unnoticed by Harrell.

“For our student section to show out like that, for Pirate Nation to show out like that for an ESPN nationally televised game — that was freaking awesome and our kids fed off of that,” Harrell said. “They love playing here and playing in front of Pirate Nation.”

The victory puts East Carolina one win away from bowl eligibility with three games remaining. The Pirates will look to secure that crucial sixth win next Thursday when they travel to face Tulsa.

“These guys are playing with confidence and to get these seniors to a bowl game, the way they’ve worked — it’s easy in life when things don’t go right to give up or turn away. These young men are going to finish what they started,” Harrell said. “I told them during the bye week that it’s the fourth quarter. It’s no quarter time. It’s time to go finish this thing off the right way.”

The win marked East Carolina’s third all-time victory over Florida Atlantic and improved their record to 2-0 against the Owls in Greenville. The Pirates have now forced at least one turnover in 46 of their last 52 games, continuing a trend of defensive opportunism that has helped fuel their success this season.

GREENVILLE – In a significant shake-up for the East Carolina football program, Director of Athletics Jon Gilbert announced today the dismissal of head coach Mike Houston. This decision follows a thorough evaluation of the team's recent performance, which has not met the expectations of the university's administration or its passionate fan base.

"After a comprehensive evaluation of our football program, I informed Mike Houston this morning that we are making a change in leadership," Gilbert stated. "This was a very difficult decision. Mike has led our program for the last five-plus seasons with tremendous class and has positively impacted so many student-athletes. After earning back-to-back bowl invitations, we looked poised for continued success. Unfortunately, we have not seen the results we all want, and a change is needed to move the program forward."

Houston, who took the helm of the Pirates in December 2018, compiled a record of 27-38 during his tenure. His time at ECU was marked by moments of hope, including consecutive bowl game appearances, yet recent seasons have failed to live up to the lofty goals set by the university.

Prior to his appointment at ECU, Houston built a strong resume at James Madison University, where he led the Dukes to a remarkable 37-6 record, including an NCAA FCS national championship in 2016. His leadership there earned him the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) FCS National Coach of the Year award.

Gilbert expressed optimism about the future, underscoring the attractive aspects of the ECU coaching position. "We are confident we will identify the right leader for our football program. ECU is a premier job with a passionate fan base, unprecedented support from our Pirate Club donors, and great facilities that continue to improve."

As the Pirates prepare for their final five regular season games, Gilbert emphasized the importance of supporting the student-athletes during this transition. "Right now, we are focusing on our student-athletes as they compete for a postseason opportunity. I hope Pirate Nation will rally around them as they always have."

To guide the team through the remainder of the season, defensive coordinator Blake Harrell has been named interim head coach. Harrell, who joined the program in 2020, will look to provide stability as ECU embarks on a search for a new head coach.

As the Pirates look ahead, this leadership change marks a pivotal moment in ECU football's quest for renewed success. With strong backing from the administration and an engaged fan base, the program aims to chart a new course under fresh leadership.

CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte 49ers secured their most decisive conference win in program history Saturday, defeating East Carolina 55-24 at Jerry Richardson Stadium in front of 17,102 fans.

The 49ers’ offense operated with precision from the start, opening with back-to-back touchdown drives for the first time under head coach Biff Poggi. Running back Cartevious Norton scored on an 11-yard rush, followed by Deshawn Purdie’s 1-yard touchdown run to give Charlotte an early 14-0 lead.

East Carolina responded with a 38-yard field goal by Noah Perez, but struggled to match Charlotte’s offensive output throughout the game. The Pirates did show signs of life in the second quarter when quarterback Jake Garcia connected with Tyler Savage for a 13-yard touchdown, Savage’s first career score.

Charlotte’s ground game proved unstoppable, with the 49ers rushing for six touchdowns, tying a program record set in 2013 against Morehead State. Hahsaun Wilson led the charge with 164 yards on 15 carries and three touchdowns, while Norton added 88 yards and two scores.

Charlotte's Hahsaun Wilson scores one of his three touchdowns Photo Credit: Ed Conway

The 49ers’ quarterback Deshawn Purdie had his most productive game of the season, throwing for a career-high 206 yards. Purdie effectively utilized his receivers, connecting with Jairus Mack for gains of 32 and 23 yards to set up scoring opportunities.

Charlotte’s defense matched the offense’s intensity. Elijah Culp intercepted Garcia in the second quarter, leading to a Wilson touchdown that extended the lead. The defensive highlight came in the fourth quarter when Stone Handy returned an interception 53 yards for a touchdown, the third-longest interception return in program history and the longest ever by a Charlotte defensive lineman.

The Pirates’ offense showed occasional flashes, particularly in the run game. London Montgomery broke free for a 48-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, finishing with a team-high 56 yards on just three carries. Chase Sowell led East Carolina’s receivers with 82 yards on four receptions.

East Carolina’s special teams provided a bright spot late in the game when Winston Wright Jr. returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Wright finished the game with 161 all-purpose yards.

Charlotte’s Stephen Rusnak had a notable performance, scoring 13 points on two field goals and seven extra points, the second-highest point total for a kicker in program history.

The victory marked several milestones for Charlotte. The 55 points scored were the most under Coach Poggi and the fifth-highest in program history. The 31-point margin of victory ranks as the second-largest against a conference opponent. The win also gave Charlotte its first 2-0 start in conference play in program history.

For East Carolina, the loss dropped their record to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play. Head coach Mike Houston’s record against Charlotte fell to 0-2.

Defensively, Charlotte held East Carolina to 343 total yards. The Pirates split quarterback duties, with Jake Garcia completing 6 of 8 passes for 111 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Katin Houser went 11 for 28 for 84 yards and an interception.

The game marked a significant shift in momentum for Charlotte, who had previously relied on comebacks for victories. This time, they controlled the game from start to finish, amassing 517 total yards of offense, including 311 on the ground.

On defense, Charlotte’s pressure was evident, with Lacota Dippre recording his first career sack. The 49ers’ defensive performance was particularly impressive in the first half, holding East Carolina to just 10 points while the offense built a 31-10 lead.

The Pirates’ defense struggled throughout the game, with Ja’Marley Riddle leading the unit with a career-high nine tackles. East Carolina’s defensive line managed only two sacks and five tackles for loss against Charlotte’s efficient offense.

The victory represents a significant step forward for Charlotte’s program under Poggi, demonstrating their ability to compete and win decisively in the American Athletic Conference. For East Carolina, the loss highlights areas needing improvement as they move deeper into their conference schedule.

Up Next

Both teams now enter their scheduled bye week. Charlotte (3-3, 2-0 AAC) will travel to face Navy on October 19, while East Carolina (3-3, 1-1 AAC) will head to West Point to face Army on the same date.

LYNCHBURG, VA – The East Carolina Pirates (2-2) suffered a 35-24 loss to the Liberty Flames (4-0) in a rain-delayed game that stretched into the early hours of Sunday morning at Williams Stadium.

The game, which kicked off at 6:02 p.m. Saturday, was quickly halted due to weather conditions and didn't resume until 10:45 p.m. It finally concluded at 2:00 a.m., making for a marathon evening of football.

East Carolina started strong, racing to a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter. Quarterback Jake Garcia opened the scoring with an 8-yard touchdown run, followed by a 1-yard plunge from Marlon Gunn Jr. Andrew Conrad added a 35-yard field goal to extend the lead.

However, Liberty mounted a comeback, scoring 28 unanswered points to take control of the game. The Pirates managed one more touchdown in the third quarter when Rahjai Harris found the end zone from 2 yards out, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Flames' offensive surge.

Garcia completed 20 of 36 passes for 204 yards but was intercepted once. Chase Sowell led ECU's receivers with 5 catches for 72 yards, including a 42-yard reception in the first quarter. On the ground, Harris led the team with 47 yards on 13 carries.

Defensively, Omar Rogers paced the Pirates with 11 tackles, while Isaiah Brown-Murray recorded his first career interception and forced fumble.

Despite the defeat, ECU maintained its trend of strong starts, outscoring opponents 50-3 in first quarters this season. The Pirates also extended their streak of forcing at least one turnover to 43 of their last 47 games.

The game set an attendance record for Williams Stadium, with 24,076 fans braving the long weather delay to watch the first-ever meeting between these two programs.

Next Week

The loss concludes East Carolina's non-conference schedule. They'll begin American Athletic Conference play next Saturday when they host UTSA at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

GREENVILLE – In a back-and-forth affair that featured over 800 yards of combined offense, the App State Mountaineers outlasted the East Carolina Pirates 21-19 on Saturday at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

App State’s quarterback, Joey Aguilar, had a stellar day, completing 32 of 47 passes for 424 yards and two touchdowns. However, his performance was not without flaws, as he threw two interceptions that kept the Pirates in contention. East Carolina’s signal-caller, Jack Garcia, held his own with 18 completions on 28 attempts for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The game began with East Carolina seizing early control. Wide receiver Wyatt Wright Jr. electrified the home crowd with a 65-yard touchdown reception from Garcia just 31 seconds into the contest. The Pirates extended their lead to 16-0 in the first quarter, capitalizing on a field goal and a 50-yard pick-six by Shavon Revel, Jr.

Facing a significant deficit, the Mountaineers rallied in the second quarter. Aguilar connected with E. Wilson for a 6-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Kicker Michael Hughes added two field goals before halftime, narrowing the gap to 16-14.

The Mountaineers took their first lead late in the third quarter when Aguilar found Milan Jackson for a 36-yard touchdown strike. East Carolina responded with a field goal early in the fourth, but App State’s defense held firm for the remainder of the game.

Despite the loss, East Carolina’s ground game showed promise, with Rahjai Harris gaining 87 yards on 18 carries. App State’s rushing attack was less effective, managing only 81 net yards on 36 attempts.

The Mountaineers’ receiving corps had a field day, with Kaedin Robinson leading the way with 7 catches for 129 yards. Christian Horn added 5 receptions for 108 yards, while Jackson’s game-changing touchdown was part of his 6-catch, 86-yard performance.

Defensively, East Carolina linebacker Zachary Barker was a standout with 13 total tackles, including 1.5 for loss. For App State, Chandler Sullivan led the team with 9 tackles.

While slipping by on the scoreboard, the Mountaineers greatly controlled the clock, holding possession for 39 minutes compared to the Pirates’ 21 minutes.

Up Next

App State hosts South Alabama on Thursday night in Boone while East Carolina travels to take on Liberty.

East Carolina and Coastal Carolina have announced they will play against each other in 2025 and 2028. This announcement was made together by both schools on Wednesday.

These two teams have only played against each other once before. This game happened on December 27, 2022, at the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl. East Carolina won that game with a score of 53-29. This was the 10th time East Carolina won a bowl game.

The first game of the series will be played at Benton Field inside Brooks Stadium on September 13, 2025. The second game will be at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on September 9, 2028.

Jon Gilbert, the Athletics Director at East Carolina, said, “We are excited about this series with Coastal Carolina. Both schools have fans who really love their teams, and this series will be something that everyone will enjoy.”

Coastal Carolina is now part of ECU’s 2025 schedule. They will also play against NC State, Campbell, and BYU that year. Coastal Carolina is the third team that ECU will play against in 2028. The other two teams are NC State and Wake Forest.

In the first game of the day, the Duke Blue Devils hosted the Pittsburgh Panthers at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, where they emerged victorious with a score of 30-19. Duke's Grayson Loftis threw for 248 yards and 2 touchdowns, while LeQuint Allen rushed for 144 yards. Despite a valiant effort from Pittsburgh's Nate Yarnell, who threw for 265 yards and 3 touchdowns, the Panthers were unable to secure a win.

Also in the noon kickoff window, the Syracuse Orange triumphed over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with a final score of 35-31 at JMA Wireless Dome. Syracuse's Garrett Shrader passed for 173 yards and 3 touchdowns and rushed for 46 yards and 1 touchdown. Wake Forest's Taylor Morin had an impressive game with 140 receiving yards, 7 receptions, and 2 rushing yards, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Orange.

In the midafternoon, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane narrowly edged out the East Carolina Pirates in a thrilling match that ended 29-27. The game, held at Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, saw Tulsa's Anthony Watkins rush for 106 yards and Kirk Francis pass for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite a strong performance from East Carolina's Alex Flinn, who passed for 184 yards and 2 touchdowns, the Pirates fell short.

Finally, the South Florida Bulls trounced the Charlotte 49ers with a score of 48-14 at Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls' defense was the star of the show, holding the 49ers to just 14 points. Standout performances included South Florida's Byrum Brown, who threw for 253 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Kelley Joiner, who had 71 receiving yards, 4 receptions, 2 touchdowns, and 33 rushing yards.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – East Carolina’s football woes continued as they dropped to a 2-9 overall record and 2-4 in Annapolis, suffering a 10-0 defeat at the hands of Navy. The loss concluded the ECU’s road schedule for the season, with the Pirates finishing 1-5 away from home.

In a challenging offensive outing, ECU failed to score for the first time since October 4, 1997, when they suffered a 56-0 loss to Syracuse, ending a remarkable streak of 322 consecutive games with points on the board. The Pirates managed only 189 yards of total offense, including a season-low 34 rushing yards, highlighting the struggles on that side of the ball.

Despite the offensive difficulties, East Carolina’s defense showcased its resilience by holding Navy to 10 points. This marked the fourth time this season that the Pirates limited an opponent to 13 points or less. 

In individual player performances, quarterback Alex Flinn faced immense pressure from Navy’s defense but completed a career-high 24 of 38 pass attempts for 155 yards. However, he failed to secure any touchdowns and threw two interceptions. Flinn also led the team in rushing with 31 yards on 12 carries.

Chase Sowell emerged as a bright spot for the receiving corps, totaling 62 yards on 11 catches. On the defensive side, Teylor Jackson recorded his first career forced fumble, while Jason Shuford achieved his first career fumble recovery. BJ Davis stood out with a team-high 10 tackles, reaching double figures for the second consecutive week.

Looking ahead to their final game of the 2023 season, East Carolina is set to face Tulsa in an American Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday, November 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the game will be streamed live via ESPN+.

As the Pirates prepare to conclude their season, Coach Mike Houston remains focused on ending on a positive note against Tulsa, stating, “We have a chance to finish things off on a positive note with a win at home next week against a very talented Tulsa team."

GREENVILLE – Charlotte’s stout defense had a record-setting performance as the 49ers picked up their first-ever American Athletic Conference victory, defeating East Carolina 10-7 on a chilly Saturday afternoon at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

The 49ers displayed their dominance right from the outset, with quarterback Jalon Jones engineering an impressive 73-yard drive on the opening possession, consuming a season-long 7 minutes and 28 seconds of play. Kicker Jake Larson then converted a 35-yard field goal, giving Charlotte an early 3-0 lead. The 49ers’ defense complemented the strong start, holding ECU to a mere 49 yards of total offense in the first half, maintaining their lead heading into the break.

The second half began with Charlotte extending their lead as Jones executed a 30-yard pass play to Duane Thomas Jr., setting up his own one-yard touchdown run. This score marked Jones’ team-leading fourth rushing touchdown of the season.

Charlotte QB Jalon Jones Photo Credit: Sam Roberts/FreezeFrame

The 49ers’ defense continued to stifle ECU, limiting them to 10 yards or less on eight of their first nine possessions, preserving the 10-0 lead well into the fourth quarter.

However, a muffed punt changed the course of the game, as it set up ECU at the Charlotte 10-yard line with 13:22 to play. ECU capitalized on the opportunity, narrowing the lead to 10-7 with a 10-yard pass from Alex Flinn to Shane Calhoun.

In a nail-biting final quarter, Charlotte had a chance to seal the victory but failed to convert on a 45-yard field goal attempt. The 49ers’ defense stepped up once again, forcing ECU into a three-and-out, with Stone Handy contributing an 11-yard sack to protect their slim lead.

ECU had one last opportunity, taking over with 2:29 on the clock. After three first downs moved the ball to the Charlotte 29, Eyabi Okie-Anoma delivered an eight-yard sack, pushing the Pirates back to the 37. One play later, ECU managed to gain six yards on third-and-18, moving to the 31. However, the 48-yard field goal attempt went wide, securing Charlotte’s first-ever victory as a member of the AAC.

Key statistics of the game included Jalon Jones rushing for a career-high 127 yards, marking the first 100-yard rushing performance by a 49er this season. Charlotte’s defense recorded 6.0 tackles for loss, the fifth time this year that they achieved this feat. Eyabi Okie-Anoma registered his fifth sack of the season, tying for the fifth-most in a single season by a 49er. He also recorded one quarterback hurry, bringing his season total to nine, just one shy of Larry Ogunjobi’s school record.

For ECU, Julius Wood led the defense with 10 tackles and logged his third career interception. Kingston McInstry collected his first career fumble recovery, and Alex Flinn, who entered the contest in the second half, completed 11 of 18 pass attempts for 69 yards and a touchdown. Shane Calhoun caught his second touchdown reception of the season and sixth of his career.

The game was East Carolina’s first meeting with Charlotte on the gridiron, and the Pirates are now 55-13 in Homecoming contests. Despite the loss, ECU has an impressive streak of not being shut out in 319 games, setting a school record.

Charlotte head coach Biff Poggi expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing their inaugural AAC victory as a historic achievement. ECU head coach Mike Houston acknowledged the close game and the missed opportunities, vowing to improve for future contests.

Charlotte’s win marks a significant milestone in their young program’s history, while ECU will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming games.

Up Next: East Carolina takes on American Athletic Conference newcomer UTSA next Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., with the game streaming live via ESPN+. Charlotte plays host to fellow American Athletic Conference newcomer Florida Atlantic this Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

The picturesque town of Cullowhee, North Carolina, will play host to a highly-anticipated Southern Conference football clash this Saturday when #8 Western Carolina welcomes its fierce rival, #3 Furman, to the hallowed grounds of E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The ESPN+ game will kick off at 2:30 p.m. and fans can expect an epic encounter as both teams come into the game with impressive national rankings. In what marks only the fourth game in their storied rivalry where both teams enter the arena with national rankings, this clash brings memories of the golden era of Catamount football. The last time Western Carolina and Furman shared the spotlight with numerical rankings by their names was in 1983 when the ninth-ranked Catamounts exacted sweet revenge by defeating their second-ranked rivals in the NCAA I-AA playoffs, a 14-7 triumph in Greenville. Western Carolina holds a 2-1 record in ranked matchups, boasting a perfect 1-0 record on their home turf.

The 2023 season has seen Western Carolina emerge as the Cinderella story, rising to a Top-10 ranking after a remarkable string of five consecutive wins. Leading the charge is running back Desmond Reid, whose 847 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns have made him a strong contender for All-American recognition. Quarterback Cole Gonzales, now in his sophomore season, has elevated his game with 1,532 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, establishing a potent connection with a dynamic receiving corps led by Censere Lee, boasting 421 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.  On the other side, Furman entered the season as the preseason favorites in the Southern Conference and has lived up to the billing through the first six games. Running back Dominic Roberto, with 394 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, and quarterback Tyler Huff, boasting 1,057 passing yards and 10 total touchdowns, anchor the Paladins' offense. The defense has excelled against the run, allowing a meager 3.1 yards per carry. However, the key to success this weekend for Furman lies in their secondary's ability to generate turnovers, currently tallying an impressive 7 interceptions.

East Carolina Gears Up to Face Charlotte in First-Ever Conference Matchup

East Carolina’s football team is set to face American Athletic Conference newcomer Charlotte on October 21. The game will kick off at 2 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+. This will be Charlotte's first-ever encounter with an in-state conference opponent, setting the stage for a memorable showdown. East Carolina, led by fifth-year head coach Mike Houston, enters the game with a 1-5 overall record and a 0-2 mark in the AAC. In the Pirates’ last outing, they fell 31-10 to SMU, despite running 16 more offensive plays than their opponent. Mason Garcia led a pair of scoring drives, completing 12 of 26 passes for a career-high 155 yards and rushing for a team-best 38 yards on 12 carries. Wide receiver Chase Sowell emerged as a standout, delivering his second consecutive seven-catch game and a career-high 120 yards. Charlotte, with a 1-5 record and a 0-2 conference record, is coming off a 14-0 loss to Navy. The upcoming clash promises an exciting faceoff between the two teams as they each aim to secure a crucial first win in the American Athletic Conference this season.

Barton Football Set to Rebound Against Wingate in Homecoming Showdown

Barton is set to host Wingate in a crucial Homecoming matchup. The Bulldogs, who have a 47-3 record against undefeated and nationally-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne, are looking to maintain their stronghold in the Piedmont Division standings. Jordan Terrell, the school's all-time leading rusher, is just 12 yards away from reaching the 1,000-yard milestone for the third consecutive season. Terrell has been a standout for the Bulldogs, averaging 141.1 yards per game on the ground. Junior quarterback Jaquan Lynch has shown his prowess with 1,076 yards passing and a total of 16 touchdowns. The defensive charge for the Bulldogs is led by junior linebacker Shane Perry, who boasts a team-high 64 tackles. On the other hand, Wingate's football program has a remarkable track record, culminating in an 11-3 record last year and a spot in the 2022 NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals. Wingate holds the edge in the all-time series with Barton, leading 2-1. Barton College, as an Associate Member of the South Atlantic Conference until the end of the 2024 season, is under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Chip Hester, while Joe Reich serves as the Wingate Head Football Coach. The Homecoming showdown promises to be a thrilling match between Barton and Wingate, with both teams aiming to secure a pivotal victory in front of their passionate fans. 

The Elon Phoenix and the Campbell Fighting Camels are set to face off in an exciting CAA matchup today at Barker-Lane Stadium in Buies Creek. This match-up promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams have shown great potential in their previous games and are looking to move up the CAA standings. Kickoff is set for 6 pm and will be broadcast on FloSport.

Elon has had a mixed start to their season, falling in close matchups to FBS Wake Forest and a strong NC FCS Gardner-Webb squad before winning their CAA opener against North Carolina A&T last Saturday. Defensively, the Phoenix are coming off of a strong effort where they held the Aggies to an impressive 140 yards of total offense. The Phoenix defense, led by defensive back, and former Grimsley High standout, Caleb Curtain along with Asheville’s Marvin Pearson is going to need another strong effort to take down a Campbell team that is averaging over forty points a game.

Campbell’s Hajj-Malik Williams is averaging over 250 yards passing per game over the first three weeks of the season and has thrown for five touchdowns without any interceptions. The senior signal-caller has also rushed for three touchdowns as part of a three-headed running game alongside running backs NaQuari Rogers and former Charlotte Catholic star Lamagea McDowell who have each also rushed for three touchdowns.

This game is crucial for both teams. For the Phoenix, a win could help turn their season around and boost their morale as they head into a stretch of games against ranked FCS teams. For the Camels, another win would solidify their strong start to the season and keep their momentum going in their first season in the CAA.

Mars Hill Hosts Barton in Battle of Unbeatens

Barton travels to take on Mars Hill in a South Atlantic battle of unbeatens with important divisional implications this early in the season. Kickoff is set for 1 pm and will be broadcast on FloSports. Former Eastern Randolph star Jordan Terrell, who was named the national offensive player of the week and leads all rushers in the country with 194 yards per game, leads a Barton offense that has averaged over thirty points a game and knocked off Division 1 Davidson two weeks ago. Mars Hill is coming off a resounding 35-20 victory over Catawba, powered by standout performances from North Carolina products Jon Gullette (Reagan) and Simeon Thompson (Erwin).

ECU Looks For First Win of Season Against Gardner-Webb

Gardner-Webb travels to Greenville to take on their second FBS foe in a month in an East Carolina squad looking to avoid an 0-4 start to the season. The Runnin’ Bulldogs lost a close two-point matchup on the road at Tennessee State last week after knocking off in-state FCS rival Elon the previous week. The Pirates had a lead on the road at Appalachian State last week before faltering in the second half. Both teams are featuring strong running games with Narii Gaither leading a ground-focused Gardner-Webb offense and Rahjai Harris pacing a balanced Pirates offense. Kickoff is set for 6 pm and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

BOONE – It had been forty-four years since the East Carolina Pirates had made the trip to Kidd Brewer Stadium to take on the App State Mountaineers. After agreeing to a four-game series that featured one neutral site game in Charlotte and two trips to Greenville in upcoming seasons, Mountaineers and Pirates fans had circled today on their calendar as the matchup to look forward to for the 2023 football season. They game on the field lived up to the hype off of it as App State held off East Carolina 43-28 in front of a raucous crowd of 40,168, the largest in Kidd Brewer Stadium history.

East Carolina started with a strong nine-play, seventy-five-yard drive to open the game. After methodically moving the chains, junior running back Rahjai Harris punched it in from six yards out to give the visiting Pirates an early 7-0 lead. App State came out swinging when they received the ball for the first time. On the second play from scrimmage, Nate Noel burst like a rocket through the line and raced down the home sideline for a sixty-eight-yard score. The App State defense stepped up on the next drive as Nick Ross picked off a Pirate pass and returned the ball to the Mountaineers offense. App State took the lead on a thirty-six-yard Michael Hughes field goal, a lead the home took into the second quarter.

After pinning the Mountaineers deep in their own territory after a tremendous special teams effort to down a punt inside the one-yard-line, the Pirates’ Antoine Jackson stepped in front of an App State pass and walked nine yards to the end zone for the pick-six. After trading punts throughout the middle of the quarter, the Pirates found momentum on offense, mounting an eleven-play drive culminating with Rahjai Harris’s second rushing score of the day. Just like the opening drives of the game, App State responded to another long ECU drive with an explosive play. Milan Tucker took the kickoff and returned it into ECU territory, aided by a facemask penalty. Four plays later, Kanye Roberts burst through for an eighteen-yard rushing touchdown to make it a five-point game going into the half.

Starting the second half, the App State wanted to come out and make a statement and did so with Kaedin Robinson’s thirty-four-yard scoring reception from Joey Aguilar. Aguilar threw another long touchdown to Milan Tucker later in the third quarter. The Mountaineers offense was also responsible for ECU’s third-quarter scoring, however as a fumble was picked up by the Pirates defensive back Shavon Revel. The former Reagan High and Louisburg standout raced fifty-seven yards for the Pirates’ second defensive touchdown on the afternoon. The App State defense stepped up as well as Omar Philyaw’s interception set up the Mountaineers just inside the red zone late in the quarter. Joey Aguilar put an exclamation point on the short drive six plays later, scoring on a keeper around the right side to give the Mountaineers a 36-28 lead going into the final stanza.

A light rain started to fall as the fourth quarter began but it was a happy rain for the Mountaineer faithful in attendance when Joey Aguilar hit tight end David Larkins to make it a two-score lead for the home team. A late attempt by East Carolina to get back in the game fell incomplete as a fourth-down pass sailed out of bounds. The App State offense then ran out the clock and celebrated a 43-28 win. 

Next Week

App State is on the road next week facing a tough Wyoming squad while East Carolina hosts in-state FCS foe Gardner-Webb.