The 2024 Military Bowl, played in Annapolis, was a total nail-biter between the in-state rivals, the East Carolina Pirates (ECU) and the NC State Wolfpack. ECU ended up winning 26-21, but man, was it close! The Pirates started strong, getting up 20-7 thanks to quarterback Katin Houser running in two touchdowns and a really solid ground game led by Rahjai Harris. But hey, the Wolfpack weren’t done! Freshman quarterback CJ Bailey and the guys came roaring back in the fourth quarter, putting up 14 straight points. Bailey tossed a score to Justin Joly on fourth down, and then they ran a super clever flea-flicker that ended with Hollywood Smothers catching a 33-yard touchdown. Just like that, NC State grabbed a narrow 21-20 lead with under ten minutes left.
It looked like ECU was done for. They were deep in their own zone, facing a big third-and-long late in the game, but they turned to their most reliable weapon. Running back Rahjai Harris took the handoff and, bam, he exploded through a hole on the left side of the line! Harris showed off his insane breakaway speed, sprinting 86 yards untouched for a spectacular go-ahead touchdown! That stunning run—it was part of his awesome 220-yard MVP performance—put the Pirates back on top, 26-21, with only about a minute and a half left. NC State tried to answer, but Dontavius Nash grabbed the game-clinching interception right away. What a finish for ECU and their new head coach, Blake Harrell, who ended the season with a winning 8-5 record!
Yes I am well aware that this is an old story but as we enter bowl season, I am doing my best to share stories and photos in the lead up.