The new Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium was alive with Monarch pride as the Pirates of East Carolina rolled into Norfolk for the third meeting between the two teams, separated by just 123 miles.
The Monarchs came in at 1-2 after an 0-2 road trip versus Virginia Tech and UVA, both games which ODU held their own in, even leading the Cavs at halftime 17-0. The Pirates were 2-2 with wins over James Madison and Gardner-Webb, both teams seeking their first FBS win of the season.
ODU went down 17-3 at the half, due to big plays by ECU, a blocked punt returned for a score, and a controversial call on 3rd and goal from the two yard line when ODU quarterback Stone Smartt ran a QB dive up the middle, stuck the ball over the goal line and appeared to be in.