In a dramatic conclusion to the Military Bowl, eight players were ejected following a chaotic brawl between East Carolina University (ECU) and North Carolina State University (NC State). The incident marred ECU’s thrilling 26-21 victory, which was secured by a spectacular 86-yard touchdown run from running back Rahjai Harris with just 1:33 left on the clock.
The confrontation erupted in the final minute of the game after ECU attempted to run out the clock. Tensions escalated when ECU’s Yannick Smith took a towel from NC State’s Tamarcus Cooley, leading to a physical altercation that involved players from both teams. As chaos ensued, one NC State player’s helmet inadvertently struck referee Rod Tucker, leaving him with a significant gash and blood streaming down his face.
Referee Jonathan Noli was forced to announce the ejections of three ECU players and five from NC State as the melee unfolded, highlighting the intensity of this in-state rivalry. The brawl not only overshadowed the thrilling finish but also raised concerns about sportsmanship in college football, especially as this marks the second consecutive game for NC State that ended in a scuffle.
Despite the tumultuous ending, Harris’s performance was a standout, finishing with 220 rushing yards on 17 carries, helping ECU conclude their season with an impressive 8-5 record under head coach Blake Harrell. The Pirates’ victory also sets the stage for their next matchup against NC State when they open the 2025 season, promising to reignite this heated rivalry.
As both teams reflect on this incident, it serves as a reminder of the fierce competition and emotions that college football can evoke. The fallout from this brawl will likely be a topic of discussion throughout the offseason as fans and analysts alike dissect what transpired on that fateful day in Annapolis.
