Pirates Sail to Victory in Military Bowl, Capitalizing on Five Pitt Turnovers
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East Carolina secured a thrilling 23-17 win over Pitt in the Military Bowl, riding a wave of five Panther turnovers to their second consecutive triumph over an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent. In a game where the Pirates faced significant challenges, including the absence of their top quarterback and rusher, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and teamwork. Chaston Ditta, making his first start at quarterback, delivered a strong performance, throwing two touchdowns and accumulating 177 passing yards. Anthony Smith was a key contributor, catching two long touchdown passes and finishing with four receptions for 156 yards. The Pirates' defense, led by Rasheem Biles, who recorded 16 tackles and forced a fumble, played a crucial role in the team's success. East Carolina's coaching staff, led by Blake Harrell, praised the team's ability to build a culture that transcends individual losses and roster changes. The game was marked by several pivotal moments, including a 47-yard touchdown pass from Ditta to Smith in the second half, a sack-fumble by Biles that resulted in a touchdown, and a 33-yard field goal by Nick Mazzie in the fourth quarter. The Pirates' ability to capitalize on Pitt's mistakes and maintain composure in the face of adversity ultimately led to their victory. Despite being outgained 376-249, East Carolina's determination and teamwork allowed them to overcome the odds and secure a hard-fought win in the Military Bowl.
