The college football bowl season has featured some intense moments between teams nationwide, but none were quite like the heated in-state showdown on Saturday night.
The NC State Wolfpack and East Carolina Pirates squared off in the Go Bowling Military Bowl, with the Pirates emerging victorious 26-21 to finish the season at 8-5.
The game was marred by a massive brawl. With just 38 seconds left in the fourth quarter, players from both teams began to push and shove.
Despite efforts from referees and team staff to break up the altercation, several sideline members got involved as well.
Multiple scuffles occurred, requiring the referees to intervene and separate players, with the brawl dragging on for several minutes as the game came to a close.
As the announcer remarked, “No love lost in the 83 miles that separate these two schools in North Carolina.”
Following the altercation, eight players were ejected, according to Chris Vannini of The Athletic—five from NC State and three from East Carolina.
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One member of the officiating crew was also seen with a bleeding cut on his face. A video later emerged showing East Carolina players pushing the back of an NC State player’s head, causing the player’s helmet to hit the referee.
Both NC State and East Carolina will have plenty of opportunities for retaliation. The in-state rivalry will resume in 2025 when the Wolfpack host the Pirates on August 30 for the opening week of the college football season.
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