Amber Aniston • December 28, 2024

East Carolina Edges NC State in Military Bowl Thriller, 26-21

The East Carolina Pirates closed their season with a dramatic 26-21 victory over the NC State Wolfpack in the Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Running back Rahjai Harris delivered the game-winning moment, an 86-yard touchdown run with just over 90 seconds left to play, sealing a comeback victory for the Pirates in a game marred by a chaotic postgame brawl. 


The Pirates, finishing their season at 8-5, continued their remarkable late-season resurgence, winning five of their final six games under newly promoted head coach Blake Harrell. For NC State, the loss marked their fifth consecutive bowl defeat, concluding their campaign with a 6-7 record. 

 


A Game of Momentum Shifts 

The game began with ECU setting the tone early. Quarterback Katin Houser orchestrated a 10-play, 65-yard drive capped by a 19-yard touchdown run, giving the Pirates a 7-0 lead. After a defensive stop, ECU added a field goal to extend the advantage to 10-0. 


NC State responded in the second quarter as quarterback CJ Bailey found Dacari Collins for an 8-yard touchdown, cutting ECU’s lead to 13-7 at halftime. The Wolfpack’s defense then stepped up, forcing a rare punt from ECU and holding them to a missed field goal attempt in the third quarter. 


ECU regained control early in the third when Houser’s 4-yard rushing touchdown extended the lead to 20-7. However, NC State refused to fold, with Bailey engineering a 15-yard touchdown pass to Justin Joly and later a trick-play touchdown featuring Hollywood Smothers, bringing the Wolfpack ahead 21-20. 

 


Rahjai Harris Delivers the Winning Blow 

Trailing late in the fourth quarter, ECU’s hopes rested on Harris. After two incomplete passes left the Pirates facing a third-and-10 at their own 14-yard line, the junior running back broke loose for the game-winning 86-yard touchdown run. Harris, who finished with 220 rushing yards on 17 carries, was named Military Bowl MVP for his dominant performance. 


Harris’ run, the longest play of ECU’s season, showcased his ability to make clutch plays when it mattered most. His contributions were instrumental in ECU’s success throughout the season, and his bowl performance added to his legacy as one of the most productive running backs in program history. 


 

Defensive Heroics and Chaotic Ending 

With the game still within reach, NC State attempted one final drive. The Wolfpack advanced to ECU’s 38-yard line, but Bailey’s pass tipped off the hands of Smothers and was intercepted by Dontavius Nash, sealing the victory for the Pirates. 


Unfortunately, the game’s thrilling finish was overshadowed by a brawl that broke out in the final moments. A scuffle during ECU’s attempt to run out the clock escalated into a full-scale melee, resulting in eight player ejections—three from ECU and five from NC State. The incident marred an otherwise memorable contest and highlighted the intensity of the rivalry between the two in-state foes, who are scheduled to meet again to open the 2025 season. 



Key Performances 

Rahjai Harris was the undeniable star of the game, rushing for a career-high 220 yards and a touchdown on just 17 carries. His performance not only secured the win but also solidified his place in ECU history as the second-leading rusher in program history with over 3,000 career yards. 


Katin Houser provided steady leadership for the Pirates, completing 18 of 29 passes for 147 yards while adding 84 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His ability to execute in critical moments helped ECU maintain its offensive rhythm. 


For NC State, CJ Bailey showcased his potential as a freshman, throwing for 230 yards and three touchdowns. Despite the loss, Bailey’s composure and playmaking ability offer promise for the Wolfpack’s future. Hollywood Smothers added versatility to NC State’s attack, contributing 99 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. 



A Tale of Two Seasons 

The victory capped a remarkable turnaround for ECU, who started the season 3-4 but surged under Blake Harrell’s leadership. The team’s resilience and commitment to playing as a unit were evident in their ability to finish games strong, highlighted by Harris’ late-game heroics. 


For NC State, the loss highlighted missed opportunities, particularly in the red zone. The Wolfpack’s inability to capitalize on early scoring chances, combined with a conservative approach late in the game, ultimately cost them a chance at victory. 



Looking Ahead 

East Carolina enters the offseason with momentum and a sense of optimism. With Harrell at the helm and key players like Harris returning, the Pirates are poised to build on this season’s success. Their 2025 opener against NC State will undoubtedly carry added intrigue, given the rivalry’s heightened intensity following this year’s Military Bowl. 


NC State faces questions heading into the offseason, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Despite the emergence of young talent like Bailey, the Wolfpack will need to address inconsistencies and maintain discipline to improve their fortunes next season. 



A Memorable Finish 

The 26-21 victory in the Military Bowl encapsulated everything that makes college football thrilling: dramatic plays, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. For ECU, the win is a testament to their resilience and ability to rise to the occasion. For NC State, it’s a lesson in capitalizing on opportunities and maintaining composure in high-stakes situations. 

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