East Carolina always had Army’s number, winning all nine matchups in series history until last season. But in front of a rowdy Thursday night crowd at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, the Pirates regained control of the series and bested the reigning American Conference champions. East Carolina (3-2, 1-0 American) comfortably flew past Army (1-3, 0-2 American) in 28-6 fashion on the national stage of ESPN, securing a dominant two-way victory in Greenville, NC.
The Pirates essentially completed the job in the first
quarter alone. On the first possession, ECU quarterback Katin Houser flung a deep shot to an open Anthony Smith to set the purple and gold in scoring position. Several plays later, Houser plunged into the end zone on a QB keeper for a 7-0 lead. After forcing a three-and-out, the Pirates’ offense retained its rhythm. Once again, the Houser to Smith connection proved too lethal for Army’s defense, and Smith made a diving 40-yard grab in the end zone, shedding off solo coverage for a 14-0 advantage.
ECU’s defense once again answered the call, although a bit of Army misfortune was involved. Army quarterback Dewayne Coleman found running back Hayden Reed open on a deep shot that looked bound for six points. However, Reed juggled the ball while turning upfield, finishing with his second drop of a promising possession. That turnover on downs fueled a third scoring drive for the Pirates in the opening frame. This time, Houser finished a 71-yard drive by finding tight end Jayvontay Conner down the seam on an RPO. The play went for 20 yards, handing ECU a rapid 21-0 advantage in the first quarter.
While the largest successful comeback in the FBS this year is only 18 points, Army is already accustomed to erasing 21-point deficits. The Black Knights did that five days ago vs. North Texas, but the comeback fell short in overtime. However, Army just couldn’t move past the Pirates on fourth downs from start to finish. The Black Knights converted 4-of-9 attempts, failing several 4th and 1 rushing attempts against a relentless ECU front. ECU entered the contest ranked seventh nationally in tackles for loss, and its backfield penetration showed Thursday night with six tackles for loss, continually stepping up in critical situations.
ECU’s offense shut down after the first quarter, and the Pirates missed several opportunities to effectively put the game away. In the second quarter, Houser threw an interception at the Army 27-yard line to inject a semblance of life back into the Black Knights. Then a speed option pitch from Houser at the 7-yard line was deflected by Army’s Eric Ford seconds before halftime, denying the Pirates of a potential 28-0 lead. Those turnovers seemed especially dangerous when Army scored its lone touchdown in the third quarter on a Dewayne Coleman QB sneak, trimming the deficit to 21-6.
However, the Pirates’ defense held firm for the remainder of the contest and special teams delivered the punishing blow. On a 50-yard field goal attempt in the early fourth quarter, backup holder and punt returner Kyler Pearson fielded the snap and immediately took off. The 5’8”, 150 pound speedster received excellent blocks from Marleo Neolien and Bryce Weaver, paving a wide open pathway to the end zone. Thanks to an additional downfield block, Pearson defeated every gold helmet in a footrace to the end zone, diving for a 32-yard touchdown run — the first of his college career.
Pearson’s touchdown sealed a 22-point victory for ECU as the Pirates improved to 1-0 in the conference standings. Defensively, ECU put on another clinic by holding its third opponent of the season to six or fewer points. Offensively, Houser — fourth in the FBS in passing yards — shined with 251 yards (156 in the first quarter) and two touchdowns on just 22 attempts. The star quarterback enjoyed better run support than usual as London Montgomery, Marlon Gunn Jr., and the Pirate rushing attack managed 180 yards. ECU out-gained Army 431-290 as the Black Knights suffered their second-straight American defeat — one season after clearing the conference schedule at an unblemished 8-0.
ECU head coach Blake Harrell is now 8-3 since taking the reins last season, and his team enters the bye week above .500 before another Thursday matchup looms Oct. 9 at Tulane. Meanwhile, Army aims for a better showing in the conference standings Saturday, Oct. 4 when it battles UAB on the road.
