East Carolina coach Blake Harrell took questions from reporters at his Monday press conference and talked about the team’s looming Thursday night opener at N.C. State.

Harrell talked about the special regard the players and fans have for the in-state rivalry, noting that the Pirates and Wolfpack have played 31 times since the series began in 1970.

In the last meeting between the programs, ECU captured a dramatic 26-21 win in the Military Bowl last December as Rahjai Harris sped 86 yards for a touchdown with 1:33 remaining.

Play the YouTube clip of the presser below (15 minutes).

Courtesy of ECU Athletics

Courtesy of ECU Athletics