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.
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