Rahjai Harris broke free for an 86-yard touchdown run with 1:33 remaining, giving East Carolina a pulsating 26-21 victory over NC State in the Military Bowl in a game that descended into a wild brawl in the final minute.
Harris had 220 of ECU’s 326 yards rushing, and his sensational sprint near the end of the game gave the Pirates (8-5) the lead back after they’d blown a 13-point advantage in the fourth. But after an interception by Dontavius Nash ended NC State’s final drive, East Carolina’s attempt to run out the clock was interrupted by a large-scale fight between the two in-state rivals — who play each other again to start next season.
Three players for ECU and five for NC State were ejected.
Umpire Rod Tucker inadvertently took a helmet to the face and received medical attention as blood was seen dripping from his face. Meanwhile, referee Jonathan Noli read off all eight…