ECU Football Team Falls to NC State in Season Opener

Raleigh, North Carolina, September 5, 2025

News Summary

The East Carolina University football team lost their season opener against North Carolina State University with a score of 24-17. After a rocky start, ECU’s sophomore quarterback Katin Houser impressed with 30 completions and 366 passing yards but struggled to overcome an early deficit. Despite a late-game touchdown and a 34-yard field goal, the Pirates failed to secure a tie on a crucial fourth-down play. Next, ECU aims to bounce back against Campbell University.

Raleigh, North Carolina – The East Carolina University (ECU) football team fell short in their season opener, losing 24-17 to North Carolina State University (NC State) on September 5, 2025. The game took place at Carter-Finley Stadium, where the Pirates struggled to find momentum early on.

ECU faced a daunting challenge, falling behind 17-0 early in the second quarter. Sophomore quarterback Katin Houser, starting for the first time, showcased his passing skills with a career-high 30 completions for 366 yards. Unfortunately, the Pirates’ comeback efforts against a resilient Wolfpack defense came up just short.

NC State’s scoring began with a 15-play opening drive that resulted in a field goal. The Wolfpack continued their momentum when sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey rushed for an 11-yard touchdown. Bailey later connected with senior receiver Wesley Grimes for a stunning 48-yard touchdown pass, with Grimes finishing the game with a career-high 121 receiving yards. In the third quarter, freshman running back Hollywood Smothers capped off a successful drive with a 2-yard rushing touchdown.

Despite a slow start, ECU finally found the end zone late in the first half, scoring with 2:21 left through a 79-yard touchdown pass from Houser to senior tight end Jayvontay Conner. Following this score, ECU’s junior defensive back Teagan Wilk intercepted a pass on NC State’s next possession, creating a momentum shift for the Pirates.

However, ECU struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, missing a 53-yard field goal attempt and committing 10 penalties throughout the game. The Pirates’ rushing game faltered as they managed only 30 yards on 29 attempts. Additionally, they were unsuccessful on three fourth-down conversion attempts.

In the fourth quarter, ECU senior running back Marlon Gunn Jr. scored a 4-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 24-14. Graduate student kicker Nick Mazzie added a 34-yard field goal, narrowing the deficit to just one touchdown. The Pirates had a final opportunity to tie the game but were thwarted when Houser’s pass to sophomore tight end Desirrio Riles was stopped out of bounds on a critical fourth-and-1 play from the Wolfpack’s 9-yard line.

Looking ahead, ECU will host Campbell University next, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. on September 6, 2025, at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The Pirates will aim to bounce back from this close defeat and strengthen their performance in subsequent games.

Game Statistics

• ECU Passing: Katin Houser – 30 completions, 366 yards, 1 touchdown
• ECU Rushing: 30 yards on 29 attempts
• ECU Penalties: 10 total
• NC State Passing: CJ Bailey – 1 touchdown, 48 yards
• NC State Rushing: 2 touchdowns by various players

Upcoming Schedule

Next Game: ECU vs. Campbell University
Date: September 6, 2025
Kickoff: 6 p.m.
Location: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium

Background

ECU has been working to improve their football program over recent seasons, and this season opener against a rival team was a critical first test. The matchup against NC State is known for its competitive edge, and fans were optimistic about the Pirates’ chances to make a significant impact this year. With a new quarterback stepping into the limelight, the Pirates look to recalibrate ahead of their next game.

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Additional Resources

• 247 Sports: ECU Football Home Opener
• Wikipedia: East Carolina Pirates Football
• 247 Sports: ECU Football Week 2 Analysis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
• 247 Sports: ECU Football Offense Outlook
• Google News: East Carolina Football
• ECU Pirates: 2025 Football Season Preview

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