East Carolina Wins Military Bowl Amid Brawl

East Carolina University (ECU) triumphed over NC State in a thrilling Military Bowl, winning 26-21 thanks to Rahjai Harris's late 86-yard touchdown run. Harris accounted for 220 of ECU's 326 rushing yards, and the Pirates regained the lead after blowing a 13-point advantage. The game ended in chaos, with a mass brawl erupting on the field, leading to the ejection of three ECU players and five from NC State. The fight was sparked when ECU's Yannick Smith took a towel from NC State's Tamarcus Cooley, escalating tensions that culminated in punches being thrown. NC State coach Dave Doeren expressed embarrassment over the incident, emphasizing that such behavior is not representative of the program. The loss continued a dismal postseason for ACC teams, who now hold a 1-9 record in bowl games this year.