What Happened in the 2024 Military Bowl?

After the Pirates jumped out to a 20-7 lead in the third quarter, the stars for the Wolfpack, who all returned for the 2025 season, began to take over in the fourth. Bailey hit tight end Justin Joly for touchdown from just outside the red zone. The Wolfpack took a 21-20 lead after Bailey found running back Hollywood Smothers for a 33-yard touchdown reception.

Disaster struck late for the Wolfpack. ECU's running back, Rahjai Harris, scampered for an 86-yard touchdown to give the Pirates a 26-21 lead with just over a minute left in the game.

Following the impressive touchdown run, a brawl ensued which left an official with a gash below his eye. The brawl began after an NC State defensive back shoved an ECU player, causing the benches to clear.

Moving on from the Past

NC State head coach Dave Doeren remains disappointed and embarrassed by the events that unfolded at the end of the game, as well as the result.

"I told our team in the locker room, that’s the most embarrassed I’ve ever been as a coach — not because we lost but because of how we behaved at the end of it," Doeren said. "I’m not going to be part of football like that. So they can change or they can find a new coach because I’m not going to do it anymore. To me, it’s disrespectful to the game of football. It’s disrespectful to the staff and the fans. And they understand. And they understand what this game is about. It’s about winning the football game."

The Wolfpack staff and players seem particularly driven by the opportunity to avenge the disappointing loss after sitting with that taste in their mouthes for several months. They will all get their chance to do so on August 28.

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