Greenville, NC
Sep 28, 2024
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Jake Garcia threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, leading East Carolina to a 30-20 triumph over UTSA in the American Athletic Conference opener. After trailing 13-3 in the first half, the Pirates surged back with 24 unanswered points, securing a 27-13 lead. Winston Wright Jr.'s 40-yard touchdown reception was pivotal in shifting momentum, followed by a 53-yard strike to Anthony Smith. Despite Brandon High's explosive 66-yard touchdown run for UTSA, East Carolina's defense thwarted any further advances, highlighted by key interceptions from Andrew Wilson-Lamp and Omar Rogers.
Noah Perez's clutch kicking performance, converting three field goals including a 42-yarder, was instrumental in maintaining the Pirates' advantage. The game marked a significant turnaround for East Carolina as the Pirates corrected their earlier season struggles with late-game execution, buoyed by a supportive Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium crowd and inspiration from the 1999 team's legacy celebrated that night.
Owen McCown (UTSA)
Completed a precise 5-yard pass to Oscar Cardenas for a touchdown, giving UTSA an initial 10-3 advantage in the first quarter.
Jake Garcia (East Carolina)
Bullied his way into the end zone on a 3-yard rush, igniting a comeback that cut UTSA's lead to a tight 13-10 margin just before halftime.
Winston Wright Jr. (East Carolina)
Garcia connected with him for a 40-yard touchdown, swinging momentum decisively in East Carolina's favor and marking the start of their scoring surge.
Zah Frazier (UTSA)
Pulled down an interception, briefly reviving UTSA's comeback hopes as the clock wound down in the final quarter.
Brandon High Jr. (UTSA)
Electrified the crowd with a 66-yard rushing touchdown on a crucial fourth-and-1, narrowing the gap to 27-20 and momentarily putting pressure back on East Carolina's defense.
Anthony Smith (East Carolina)
Sealed a decisive 53-yard touchdown reception from Garcia, effectively putting East Carolina up 24-13 in the third quarter.
Andrew Wilson-Lamp (East Carolina)
Gained momentum for East Carolina with a critical interception that halted a potential UTSA scoring drive at the start of the fourth quarter.
Jake Garcia (East Carolina, QB)
Commanded the field with 294 passing yards and three total touchdowns, demonstrating poise under pressure despite two interceptions, and sparked crucial second-half drives that rallied the Pirates.
Noah Perez (East Carolina, K)
Stepped up in his first college game with a perfect performance, hitting three field goals including a career-high 42-yarder, playing an unsung hero role in maintaining the team's lead.
Anthony Smith (East Carolina, WR)
Made a game-sealing 53-yard touchdown catch that extended the Pirates' lead in the third quarter, showcasing his ability to capitalize on passing opportunities.
Brandon High Jr. (UTSA, RB)
Exploded with a vital 66-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, igniting UTSA's fleeting hope of a comeback while demonstrating his explosive ground capabilities.
Omar Rogers (East Carolina, DB)
Secured a pivotal fourth-quarter interception, helping to anchor East Carolina’s staunch defensive performance in closing out the game.
UTSA Roadrunners
10
3
0
7
20
East Carolina Pirates
3
7
14
6
30
