The 31-24 outcome displayed a striking resemblance to the Gators’ narrow victory over the Pirates in January’s Birmingham Bowl. Once again, ECU fought hard but not hard enough, thus suffering its seventh-straight loss versus an SEC opponent.
The Pirates certainly had their share of problems throughout the contest.
Their rushing attack was nonexistent – senior Chris Hairston, fresh off a four-touchdown performance – recorded a paltry 15 yards from 17 carries. ECU’s penalty woes from last season resurfaced again, with nine flags for 65 yards. The Pirate secondary allowed Gator quarterbacks Will Grier and Treon Harris to record 8.