ANNAPOLIS, Md. – East Carolina capitalized on Pitt's mistakes, securing a 23-17 victory in the Military Bowl on Saturday. The Pirates (9-4) triumphed over the Panthers (8-5) by converting five Pitt miscues into crucial scoring opportunities.
The game, held at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, saw East Carolina overcome adversity, including an inadvertent whistle that nullified a long touchdown run. Chaston Ditta, the Pirates' quarterback, threw two second-half touchdown passes, helping his team secure the win.
Pitt's offensive struggles and inability to capitalize on opportunities proved costly. The Panthers' offense committed four turnovers and suffered a muffed punt, hindering their chances of victory. Quarterback Mason Heintschel was under pressure for much of the game, impacting the team's offensive consistency. According to ESPN, the first half produced a combined 267 total yards, the lowest in Military Bowl history.
East Carolina's defense played a key role, taking advantage of Pitt's errors. Kendrick DuJour's strip of Heintschel in the third quarter led to a quick touchdown for the Pirates. Kevon Merrell's 70-yard interception return in the fourth quarter set up a field goal, extending East Carolina's lead.
Despite missing key players, including their offensive coordinator, starting quarterback, first-string running back, and second-leading receiver, East Carolina found a way to win. Coach Blake Harrell's team displayed resilience, overcoming a slow first half to dominate in the second.
Rashem Biles stood out for Pitt, recording 16 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble, which he returned for a touchdown. Biles' performance and the Panthers' defense, which accounted for 12 tackles for loss and three sacks, were ultimately not enough to compensate for the offensive miscues.
The Pirates took their first lead in the second quarter with a 42-yard field goal from Nick Mazzie. After a long touchdown run by Marlon Gunn Jr. was called back due to a whistle, Biles scored a defensive touchdown, putting Pitt ahead. However, East Carolina responded swiftly, regaining the lead and ultimately securing the victory. Mazzie added a 33-yard field goal in the fourth quarter after a Turner fumble, extending the Pirates' lead. He later kicked his third field goal after Merrell's interception, solidifying the win.
East Carolina's ability to convert Pitt's mistakes into points proved to be the deciding factor in the Military Bowl. The Pirates finished the season with a 9-4 record, while Pitt concluded at 8-5.
