ECU Shuts Out Coastal Carolina 38-0
CONWAY, S.C. — East Carolina’s defense stole the show Saturday night, pitching the program’s first road shutout in more than two decades with a 38-0 win at Coastal Carolina. The Pirates hadn’t blanked an opponent on the road since beating Duke 38-0 in 2000, making this victory a milestone under head coach Blake Harrell.
Houser Steady in Command
Quarterback Katin Houser once again led the way, completing 28-of-37 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns, both to sophomore receiver Yannick Smith. Houser spread the ball to 10 different receivers and kept the offense humming even when the run game started slow.
After the game, Houser emphasized the offense still has another level to reach.
“The defense played really well, offensively we left some on the field,” Houser said. “We haven’t reached our full potential, and that’s really good — we still have room to grow. We stayed consistent in the run game. We weren’t popping them early, but we started hitting them late.”
Houser also broke down Coastal’s defensive look.
“They showed a three-safety look. We stayed true running the ball. We couldn’t throw over the middle so we kept attacking the outside.”
Smith’s Breakout Night
Graduate receiver Anthony Smith turned in the best game of his Pirate career, setting new highs with 11 catches for 136 yards. Known primarily as a deep threat, Smith showcased his all-around ability.
“We showed a lot of grit and fight,” Smith said. “I take it very serious in practice. Really since I got here I want to be more than a deep ball guy. Yes, I can run by anyone you need me to, but I want to be an all-around guy. Even when we don’t know, I’m telling Katin to give me that pill. We were prepared to do it all tonight.”
Harrell Credits Defense and Fans
Head coach Blake Harrell praised the defense for securing ECU’s first shutout since 2019 and first on the road since 2000.
“Big win. At halftime we were winning 10-0, and we weren’t happy with how we were playing. Shoutout to our defense with the shutout. Anytime you shut somebody out you always win,” Harrell said. “Really good things by the guys up front, and the guys on the back half as well.”
Harrell also pointed out missed red-zone chances early but credited Pirate Nation for creating a home-like environment on the road.
“The first half we get stopped down in the red zone and get a field goal blocked. If we finish there it’s a different score at halftime. Shoutout to Pirate Nation, they made this place purple and got the purple-gold chants. You can breathe a little easier with all that support. It helps our players get comfortable.”
Scoring Summary
1Q, 7:26 – Houser to Yannick Smith, 5-yard TD pass (Mazzie PAT) – ECU 7-0
1Q, 1:44 – Nick Mazzie, 36-yard FG – ECU 10-0
3Q, 8:15 – Parker Jenkins, 4-yard TD run (Mazzie PAT) – ECU 17-0
4Q, 13:04 – Houser to Yannick Smith, 4-yard TD pass (Mazzie PAT) – ECU 24-0
4Q, 8:32 – Mike Wright Jr., 18-yard TD run (Mazzie PAT) – ECU 31-0
4Q, 4:08 – T.J. Engleman Jr., 1-yard TD run (Mazzie PAT) – ECU 38-0
By the Numbers
First road shutout since 2000 vs. Duke (38-0)
Houser: 314 yards, 2 TDs
Anthony Smith: career-high 6 catches, 66 yards
Defense: 156 total yards allowed, 3 turnovers forced
Third Downs: ECU 13-17, Coastal 2-12
Moving Forward
The Pirates (2-1) will now turn their focus back to Greenville, where they’ll host BYU on Saturday, Sept. 20. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.