ECU football beats Pitt for second straight Military Bowl win
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For the second consecutive year, East Carolina football played in the Military Bowl. And for the second consecutive year, the Pirates won, this year against the Pitt Panthers, 23-17, on Saturday, Dec. 27.
After a defensive first half, the Panthers (8-5) entered the locker room with the lead. The teams traded scores in the third quarter, but ECU (9-4) took the lead back heading into the fourth.
In the final period, East Carolina extended the lead to two scores for the first time all afternoon. A long Pitt drive near the end cut the deficit to one score, but the Pirates recovered the onside kick and were able to run down the clock, forcing the Panthers to burn all three timeouts.
On the ensuing Pitt possession, the ECU defense made its final stand, sealing an East Carolina victory, the second straight bowl win under coach Blake Harrell.
Defenses strong early
Perhaps unexpectedly, the defenses ruled the day in the first half and controlled much of the game.
The teams combined for just 95 yards in the first quarter. By halftime, the teams had combined for only 267 yards – a game record for fewest yards in any first half.
Even when the offense picked up, the defenses still reigned supreme and combined for six takeaways, including a defensive touchdown for the Panthers. ECU defensive back Teegan Wilk especially showed out, racking up nine total tackles and forcing a fumble that the Pirates recovered.
Chaston Ditta’s first start
After starting quarterback Katin Houser entered the transfer portal earlier this month, freshman Chaston Ditta was given the start for the first time.
![Dec 27, 2025; Annapolis, MD, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Johnny Williams (17) drops back to pass during the ]first quarter of the Military Bowl against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==)
Despite completing just four passes in the season entering Saturday, the Texas native performed solidly enough given the circumstances. He went 8-of-17 for 177 yards and two touchdowns, setting career highs in all passing stats in the process.
Anthony Smith’s stellar finish
Sixth-year senior Anthony Smith has had an up-and-down college career. He battled injuries throughout his college career, but stayed healthy in 2025 with career highs in yards and touchdowns. On Saturday, he caught four passes for 156 yards and a pair of scores, giving Smith his first 1000-yard season in college.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: ECU football beats Pitt for second straight Military Bowl win
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