GREENVILLE, N.C. — Jake Garcia threw four touchdown passes and East Carolina overcame six turnovers with the help of a stifling defense in a 42-3 win over Norfolk State on Saturday night at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in the Pirates’ season opener.
Garcia, a Missouri transfer, was 23 of 36 for 308 yards and added 39 yards on the ground but was intercepted three times, including on consecutive possessions by defensive back Terron Mallory, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s 2023 interception leader.
Two of Garcia’s touchdown throws went to Desirrio Riles, with one each to Anthony Smith (18 yards) and Casey Kelly (22 yards). Javious Bond added a 14-yard rushing TD. The Pirates also lost three fumbles, with Kaleb Broadbent, Christian Ruffin and Dawson Rivers recovering them.
The Pirates, from the American Athletic Conference in the FBS, rolled to 506 yards on offense while holding the Spartans from the FCS to 114. The Spartans (0-2) converted only one of 18 third downs.
ECU’s Gavin Gibson had a 30-yard pick-6 that put the Pirates up 21-3 on their way to a 28-3 halftime lead.
NSU was unable to mount much of a rushing game, with Kevon King pacing the Spartans via 26 yards on five carries. Counting sacks of Daniels, the Spartans had just 43 yards on 45 carries. Daniels completed 8 of 19 passes for 71 yards.
