ECU’s 31-Point Surge Defeats Temple 45-14

**Pirates Storm Back for Dominant Senior Day Victory, Trounce Temple 45-14**

**GREENVILLE, N.C. – November 25, 2023 –** East Carolina University put an emphatic stamp on its home schedule and celebrated Senior Day in style on Saturday, November 25, staging a dramatic second-quarter comeback before ultimately trouncing Temple University 45-14 at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Quarterback Katin Houser led the charge for the Pirates, throwing for two touchdowns and 219 yards as ECU reeled off 31 unanswered points to secure their lone American Athletic Conference victory of the season.

The win provided a much-needed morale boost for the Pirates, who concluded their season with a 2-10 overall record and a 1-7 mark in AAC play. Temple, also struggling through a difficult campaign, finished its season at 3-9 overall and 1-7 in the conference.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how our guys responded today,” said ECU Head Coach Mike Houston after the game. “We talk all the time about playing for 60 minutes, and even when we faced adversity early, they never quit. This is a testament to their character and a great way to send off our seniors.”

The Owls initially silenced the home crowd, getting off to a strong start behind quarterback E.J. Warner. Warner first connected with Zae Baines for a long 68-yard touchdown pass, giving Temple an early lead. He then found Amad Anderson Jr. for a 27-yard score, extending Temple’s advantage to 14-7 midway through the second quarter. The Owls’ offense showed early promise, executing quick passes and breaking tackles to put the Pirates on their heels.

However, the tide swiftly turned. East Carolina’s offense found its rhythm, with Houser orchestrating a drive that culminated in a 9-yard touchdown pass to Jhariel Taylor, knotting the score at 14-all. The pivotal moment arrived just before halftime when the Pirates’ special teams unit delivered a game-changing play. Ryan Clayton broke through the line to block a Temple punt, and Ayden Duncanson scooped up the loose ball, racing into the end zone for a touchdown. This electrifying play pushed ECU ahead 21-14. Andrew Conrad also chipped in with a 27-yard field goal in the half, giving ECU a commanding 24-14 lead heading into the locker room. The blocked punt energized the Dowdy-Ficklen faithful and firmly shifted momentum.

The second half was a dominant display from the Pirates, both offensively and defensively. Running back Rahjai Harris took over the ground game, consistently finding lanes and breaking tackles. He finished the contest with 104 rushing yards and two powerful touchdowns, wearing down the Temple defense. Houser continued to distribute the ball effectively, connecting with Anthony Smith for a 29-yard touchdown strike, further widening the gap and showcasing the team’s improved offensive cohesion.

Temple’s attempts to mount a comeback were stifled by a relentless ECU defense. Warner, who had shown flashes of brilliance early, struggled to find open receivers under constant pressure. His fourth-quarter interception underscored the Owls’ inability to generate any significant offense after their initial surge. The Pirates’ defense held Temple scoreless in the second half, limiting them to minimal yards and forcing punts.

For East Carolina, this victory, while not leading to a bowl appearance, served as a significant morale boost and a building block for future seasons. It marked a resilient performance in front of a dedicated home crowd on a day dedicated to honoring the departing senior class.

“This game showed what we’re capable of when we play with discipline and heart,” Houser commented post-game. “We stuck together, and our defense gave us opportunities. It’s a great feeling to get this win for the seniors and our fans.”

Temple’s season concludes with their visit to Greenville, a disappointing end to a year that saw them struggle to find consistency on both sides of the ball. “We just didn’t execute in the second half,” said Temple Head Coach Stan Drayton. “Credit to East Carolina; they played a strong game. We have a lot to evaluate as we look ahead.”

For detailed statistics and season information on both teams, visit the official American Athletic Conference website or team athletic pages.