Pirate punter Trent Tignor brought out the stars and stripes on Military Appreciation Day. Photo by Al Myatt.

Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium had a patriotic border for Military Appreciation Day. Photo by Al Myatt.

East Carolina's Lance Ray prepares to take the opening kickoff with good advice in the background. Photo by Al Myatt.

Justin Hardy has the ball and 6 points on ECU's first possession. Hardy had 10 catches for 126 yards on the day. Photo by Al Myatt.

Shane Carden, on the move, completed 30-of-37 passes for 308 yards and 3 TDs with no interceptions. Photo by Al Myatt.

Shane Carden sees Isaiah Jones in the end zone for East Carolina's second score. Photo by Al Myatt.

ECU defensive coordinator Rick Smith holds his game plan. Photo by Al Myatt.

Derrell Johnson (56), Lee Pegues (58) and Chrishon Rose (93) are poised for a Southern Miss snap. Photo by Al Myatt.

Linebackers Zeek Biggers (44) and Montese Overton (51) do a butt bump after ECU made a 4th down stop. Photo by Al Myatt.

Former East Carolina player and defensive line coach Marc Yellock talks to his guys. Photo by Al Myatt.

Vintavious Cooper heads for a score on a 21-yard run that provided the Pirates with a 21-0 lead. Photo by Al Myatt.

Shane Carden wasn't the only one winging it on Saturday. The cheerleaders throw T-shirts into the stands. Photo by Al Myatt.

East Carolina swimmers were recognized at the game for academic achievement. Photo by Al Myatt.

ECU AD Jeff Compher (center) and senior associate AD and Pirate Club executive director J. Batt (right) chat with a member of the Pirate Nation.

Coach Ruffin McNeill responds to the media after the Pirates improved to 5-2 overall, 3-1 in Conference USA. Photo by Al Myatt.