An official ended up with a cut under the eye after a fight late in East Carolina’s Military Bowl victory over NC State.
The referee was hit in the face by a player’s helmet as members of both teams fought with 38 seconds left. The fight began when NC State defensive back Tamarcus Cooley shoved ECU WR Yannick Smith. Both banks emptied and it all went on from there.
There were so many players involved in the fight that each team was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for each member and the referee had to read the numbers of the expelled players from a list. East Carolina had three players ejected, while NC State had five ejected from the game for their role in the fight.
While that official was being treated for his bloody face, the Military Bowl referee reviewed the list of players from East Carolina and NC State who were ejected. (3/3) pic.twitter.com/7DEOjmWznd
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The fight came after ECU took the lead with 1:33 left on an 86-yard run by Rahjai Harris. His touchdown occurred shortly after ECU appeared to return a fumble for a go-ahead touchdown, but officials said the play had been stopped to move forward even though there was no evidence of a whistle blowing to end it.
NC State rallied from a 20-7 third-quarter deficit to take a 21-20 lead with 9:49 left, but lost its chance to win when CJ Bailey was intercepted by Dontavius Nash with 44 seconds left. for the finale in ECU territory.
East Carolina finishes the season 8-5 after winning five of its last six games under head coach Blake Harrell. He was named the team’s permanent coach at the end of the season after becoming interim coach following the firing of Mike Houston after a 3-4 start. NC State finishes the season at 6-7.