BIRMINGHAM — The face of the East Carolina football program wore a smile on Tuesday night after a thorough 53-29 victory over Coastal Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl. That countenance, of course, belonged to quarterback Holton Ahlers, who was named bowl MVP after passing for 300 yards and five touchdowns as the Pirates celebrated a postseason victory for the first time since … [Read more...]
Inside Game Day
VIEW FROM THE EAST
ECU rolls toward bowl with signees on board
In the midst of preparing to play Coastal Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl on Tuesday, East Carolina announced a signing class on Wednesday. "Somebody said, 'It's Christmas,'" said offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Donnie Kirkpatrick. "Is that right?" Kirkpatrick was kidding, but the ECU staff has been multi-tasking to a degree that Santa will have to consult a … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EAST
Birmingham Bowl for Christmas
East Carolina football coach Mike Houston attended a news conference for the Birmingham Bowl in the host city on Thursday afternoon with Coastal Carolina interim coach Chad Staggs. The Pirates (7-5) play the Chanticleers (9-3) for the first time on Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 6:45 p.m. (ESPN). That's two days after Christmas in a region that has produced players for both … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EAST
Pirates begin bowl prep
Mike Houston was enthusiastic about what he saw at East Carolina's first practice in preparation for the Birmingham Bowl on Monday. The Pirates (7-5) face Coastal Carolina (9-3) on Dec. 27, at 6:45 p.m. (ESPN). Houston gave the team last week off after ending the regular season with a 49-46 win at Temple on Nov. 26. "Great to get back out on the field," said the ECU … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EAST
Pirates heading to Birmingham Bowl
East Carolina has accepted an invitation to play Coastal Carolina in the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium on Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 6:45 p.m. The game will be shown on ESPN. ECU went 7-5 overall and 4-4 in the American Athletic Conference in earning a bowl berth for the second straight season. Last year's Military Bowl matchup was canceled because of … [Read more...]