RALEIGH – East Carolina's fourth-down pass sailed incomplete with 37 seconds remaining, ending a dramatic comeback attempt as NC State held on for a 24-17 victory Thursday night at Carter-Finley Stadium.

The Pirates, who trailed 17-0 early in the second quarter, nearly completed an improbable rally against their most bitter in-state rival before quarterback Katin Houser's pass to Desirrio Riles came up a yard short of the goal line on fourth-and-one from the Wolfpack nine-yard line.

"We were actually planning on going for two and get stopped on fourth down there," ECU head coach Blake Harrell said. "They saw that one, cover zero, double edge pressure and just couldn't get a good ball there to Desirrio and get across the line."

The loss denied the Pirates a chance to build on their momentum from December's 26-21 victory over NC State in the Go Bowling Military Bowl. Instead, the season opener exposed the same inconsistencies that plagued ECU throughout much of last season while highlighting the team's resilience in adverse situations.

NC State linebacker Jamel Johnson made the game-sealing tackle, wrapping up Riles behind the line of scrimmage to preserve the Wolfpack's eighth consecutive opening-game victory under head coach Dave Doeren.

"It was a team win, it really was," Doeren said. "Offensively we jumped out 17-0, got us a lead. Defensively, they had -20 rushing yards in the first half. It was really stingy. Both sides of the football helped each other throughout the night."

The Pirates' offensive struggles began immediately, managing just six plays and eight total yards in the first quarter while NC State built a commanding early advantage. ECU punted on four consecutive possessions to start the game, unable to establish any rhythm against a Wolfpack defense that looked determined to avenge December's bowl defeat.

"Obviously a disappointing loss there," Houser said. "Our motto on offense is start fast, and obviously we did not do that tonight."

NC State capitalized on ECU's early miscues with methodical efficiency. The Wolfpack opened the scoring after a 15-play, 64-yard drive that consumed over six minutes, settling for Nick Konieczynski's 29-yard field goal when the Pirates' defense stiffened in the red zone.

The flood gates opened in the second quarter. CJ Bailey, NC State's sophomore quarterback, punched in an 11-yard rushing touchdown to cap a seven-play drive, then connected with Wesley Grimes for a 48-yard scoring strike just 42 seconds later. The quick succession of scores left the Pirates reeling and their traveling fans stunned.

But ECU's first sign of life came when the Wolfpack got caught in a substitution mix-up late in the second quarter. Houser found Jayvontay Conner wide open over the middle, and the receiver did the rest, racing 79 yards for a touchdown that cut the deficit to 17-7.

"It's definitely good, especially for week one, to get punched in the mouth and come back out even harder," said safety Teagan Wilk, who transferred back to ECU this season after spending one year at Houston. "When I was coming off the sidelines every series, I could really see it in everybody's eyes that nobody's worried. As an older guy, that's what you want to see from the younger guys."

Wilk provided the momentum-shifting play just before halftime, intercepting Bailey's pass and returning it 20 yards to the NC State 43-yard line. The Pirates had a chance to trim the lead further, but penalties pushed them back, and Nick Mazzie's 53-yard field goal attempt fell short as time expired.

NC State seemed to regain control early in the third quarter when Hollywood Smothers capped a 10-play, 80-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 24-7. But the Pirates refused to fold, showing the same fight that carried them to nine victories in Harrell's first season.

Marlon Gunn Jr. opened the fourth quarter with a four-yard touchdown run, finishing a nine-play, 72-yard drive that pulled ECU within 24-14. When Konieczynski missed a 40-yard field goal attempt, the Pirates seized the opportunity, driving 61 yards in nine plays before Mazzie connected from 34 yards to make it 24-17 with 8:32 remaining.

The Wolfpack appeared ready to put the game away when Bailey found Teddy Hoffmann for 50 yards, moving into ECU territory. But three consecutive running plays netted negative yardage, and Konieczynski's 46-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, giving the Pirates one final chance with 5:41 on the clock.

Houser, who finished with career highs of 30 completions, 44 attempts and 366 passing yards, methodically moved ECU down the field. London Montgomery contributed 14 rushing yards on three carries during the drive, helping the Pirates reach the NC State nine-yard line.

But when the Pirates needed one yard on fourth down, they came up empty. Houser's pass to Riles, intended for the left corner of the end zone, was knocked away by Johnson, allowing NC State to run out the final seconds.

The game statistics told the story of two contrasting halves. After NC State outgained ECU 144-8 in the opening quarter, the teams finished with nearly identical totals – the Wolfpack holding a slim 423-413 advantage in total offense.

Houser's performance provided encouragement despite the loss, as he completed passes to 10 different receivers and connected on 11 throws of at least 15 yards. Brock Spalding caught a career-high six passes for 97 yards, while Riles and Anthony Smith – who spent three years at NC State before transferring – also hauled in six catches each.

The Pirates' ground game, however, never found traction. ECU managed just 30 net yards on 29 rushing attempts, a stark contrast to the 326 yards they accumulated in December's bowl victory. A 23-yard loss on a botched snap in the second quarter epitomized the struggles.

"We popped a few runs in there but nothing like we should to control the game, especially in the second half," Harrell said. "One of our plans to win is to win the rushing battle, and we certainly did not do that."

The Pirates' cause wasn't helped by 10 penalties for 86 yards, three failed fourth-down attempts and Mazzie's missed field goal attempt. But their ability to rally from 17 points down demonstrated the character that Harrell has instilled since taking over the program.

For NC State, Bailey threw for 318 yards and accounted for two touchdowns – one passing, one rushing. Grimes finished with a career-high 121 receiving yards on four catches, while Smothers contributed 106 total yards from scrimmage. Freshman Hoffmann made an immediate impact with 93 receiving yards on five catches.

The Wolfpack defense, led by linebacker Caden Fordham's 11 tackles, limited ECU to one yard per carry – the lowest average since a November 2023 game against Wake Forest.

"You've got 57 thousand plus fans here, and what a great rivalry game for our fans," Harrell said. "When you go play a 60-minute ball game against a good opponent and an atmosphere like this, you find out exactly where you are and unfortunately, we came up on the wrong side of it and a side I don't want to be on, but we've got to improve from here."

The loss drops ECU to 0-1 to start the season, while NC State improves to 1-0. The Pirates will look to regroup when they return home for their next contest against Campbell, while the Wolfpack continues its season against Virginia on September 6.

CHARLOTTE – It was hot and buzzing in Charlotte as the 2025 American Conference Media Days kicked off, but few teams drew more interest than East Carolina. The buzz wasn’t just about the Pirates’ dramatic finish last season or their bowl win over NC State. It was about Blake Harrell, who’s officially in charge now after having the interim tag removed. And based on what he brought to the podium, there’s no doubt this program is entering a new era.

Harrell earned this shot. After stepping in midseason, he led ECU to a 4-1 finish and capped it off with a Military Bowl win against a ranked in-state rival. That momentum, and the players’ emotional reaction when his hire became permanent, signaled a culture shift in Greenville. As one note put it, Harrell “lit a new fire in the program.” And now, he’s ready to build something that lasts.

"I'm fired up to be the 23rd head football coach at East Carolina," Harrell said with a smile. "There’s no better place. It’s a special place, Dowdy-Ficklen, Greenville, Pirate Nation. Thank you for making it a place where football matters." He was appreciative, but quickly got back to business. "You can't take one single play from last season into this one," he said. "But you can take the confidence."

That theme, confidence without complacency, ran through everything Harrell said. He brought two key leaders with him: senior linebacker Ryheem Craig and quarterback Katin Houser. Craig brings relentless energy every day, according to Harrell, not just on the field but everywhere he goes. As for Houser, who went 5-2 as a starter last year, the coach had high praise. “His commitment to being a Pirate says a lot, especially in today’s college football world,” Harrell said. “But what I’m most proud of is the way he’s stepped up as a leader this offseason. He’s leading from the front.”

The 2025 roster is a big mix of old and new. ECU brought in 53 newcomers, including 23 true freshmen, and lost 22 seniors. It’s a young team, with about 40% of the roster made up of first- or second-year players. But Harrell likes what he’s seen. “What I’m most pleased with is how the locker room welcomed those guys. It’s all been about the team.” The goal? Blend that youth with the leadership of 28 seniors to create real depth and competition.

Defense, Harrell’s specialty, will look different. Just two starters are back. But he isn’t panicking. “It starts with how we do everything,” he said. “How we walk into the building, how we practice, how we meet. You’ve got to build the foundation before you talk about red zone defense or tempo offenses.” He emphasized effort and energy, two words that defined ECU’s late-season surge.

Among the new names to watch is linebacker Dameon Wilson, a Gastonia native who transferred in from Missouri and started in the bowl game. “He may not be a returning starter officially, but in my mind, he is,” Harrell said. Wilson will wear the coach-to-player headset and call the defense. On offense, Oklahoma transfer Quaize Pettaway has turned heads at slot receiver. And there are familiar faces returning, too, like Teagan Wilk and Xavier McIver, both of whom “know what it means to be a Pirate.”

Naturally, the season opener was a big topic, especially since it’s a rematch with NC State, the team ECU beat in last year’s bowl. That game ended with some postgame drama, and Harrell addressed it head-on. “It was an emotional game, a lot of energy. But we talk to our players all the time, positive or negative, you’ve got to learn the lesson and move on,” he said. “There’s no place for how that ended. Sportsmanship has to be at the forefront.” Still, he knows opening against a rival just 75 minutes away is a big deal. “It’ll be a great atmosphere in Raleigh,” he added. “But we’ve got to stay focused on us.”

Another wrinkle to the 2025 schedule: ECU has four Thursday night games. Harrell’s all for it. “That’s awesome publicity, not just for ECU, but for Pirate Nation and for the American Conference,” he said. With more national eyes on the program, he wants the team’s brand of tough, competitive football to be front and center.

As the media session wrapped up, Harrell’s message was clear: last season’s finish was just the beginning. The new-look Pirates are young, hungry, and determined to make their mark. Whether it’s Houser running the offense, Craig and Wilson flying around on defense, or a new face stepping up, ECU’s got the pieces to compete.

“We’ve got to grow and get better every day,” Harrell said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

For Pirate Nation, it sounds like the fire Harrell lit isn’t going out anytime soon.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – In a rivalry game that lived up to its billing and then some, East Carolina secured a dramatic 26-21 victory over NC State in the 2024 Military Bowl, punctuated by late-game heroics and tensions that boiled over in the closing minutes at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

The winning moment came with just 1:33 remaining, when Pirates running back Rahjai Harris broke free for an electrifying 86-yard touchdown run that silenced the Wolfpack faithful and put ECU ahead for good. The score proved crucial after a failed two-point conversion attempt left the door open for NC State's final drive, which ended with an interception by ECU's Dontavius Nash with 44 seconds left.

The Pirates (7-5) dominated early, building a 13-0 lead behind the dual-threat capabilities of quarterback Katin Houser, who finished with 84 rushing yards and two touchdowns while managing the passing game efficiently. ECU's ground attack proved unstoppable, amassing 327 yards with Harris leading the way with 220 yards on 17 carries.

NC State (6-6) mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback, scoring twice through the air to take their first lead at 21-20 with 9:49 remaining. Quarterback CJ Bailey connected with Hollywood Smothers on a 33-yard strike to put the Wolfpack ahead, energizing their sideline and setting up the dramatic finish.

The game's intensity reached its peak in the final minutes when a scuffle broke out between the teams, resulting in multiple ejections and adding another chapter to this heated in-state rivalry. The timing of the incident was particularly notable given that these teams will meet again in just eight months, as they're scheduled to open the 2025 season against each other in Raleigh.

For ECU, the victory marked their second bowl win in three years, following their 2022 Birmingham Bowl triumph over Coastal Carolina. The Pirates' defense continued its opportunistic play under Blake Harrell, recording two sacks and forcing a crucial turnover while holding the Wolfpack to just 198 rushing yards.

The game served as a fitting finale to the 2024 season for both programs, though the rivalry's next chapter looms large. The rematch in Raleigh to kick off 2025 will carry added significance after today's heated conclusion, marking just the latest meeting in a series that dates back to 1970 and has now produced memorable moments in both regular season and bowl settings.

The victory was particularly sweet for ECU's senior class, who helped the program achieve bowl eligibility for the third time in four years. The Pirates' rushing attack proved to be the difference-maker, with their 8.6 yards per carry setting the tone in front of the thousands of fans who made the trip to Annapolis.

For NC State, the loss marked a disappointing end to a season that saw them reach bowl eligibility for the 10th time in 11 years. Bailey finished with 230 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Smothers contributed 139 rushing yards in addition to his receiving touchdown.

As both teams headed to their locker rooms following the post-game scuffle, it was clear that this rivalry, which NC State leads 19-13 all-time, has added another memorable chapter – with the next one set to be written in just eight months' time.

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.