App State will keep the in-state bragging rights for a while longer. The Mountaineers held off a late East Carolina rally for a 27-24 victory Saturday at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, extending their winning streak over the Pirates to four games.
App State (2-0) won every meeting in the most recent four-game series that started in 2021.
Malachi Singleton completed 20 of 28 passes for 267 yards without an interception as App State built a 24-10 lead early in the third quarter. ECU (0-2) twice made it a one-score game, including Ja’Keith Hamilton’s touchdown reception with 21 seconds remaining, but the Pirates booted the onsides kick attempt out of bounds. App State ran out the clock to win for the second week in a row.
App State-ECU Quick Hits
- Final: App State 27, East Carolina 24
- Records: App State 2-0; ECU 0-2
- Series: App State leads 23-12 all-time and has won four straight
- Through the air: Singleton went 20-of-28 for 267 yards with no interceptions. In his first two starts as the Mountaineers quarterback, he is 42-of-52 passing for 558 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions — an 80.8% completion rate. He also had a rushing touchdown on Saturday.
- On the ground: Jaquari Lewis led App State with 73 yards and a touchdown. Singleton and Treyaun Webb also rushed for scores.
- Big defensive play: Caleb Sandstrom had two sacks and forced a fumble that Aaron Clark recovered at the ECU 12. App State scored four plays later.
- Late stand: Dre Walker intercepted Mitch Griffis at the App State 9 with 2:16 remaining.
- ECU’s big play: Griffis connected with Jason Dickerson for a 61-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
- Third-down difference: ECU converted just 2 of 13 third downs.
- Turnovers: App State committed none. ECU lost a fumble and threw one interception.
- Possession: App State controlled the ball for 36:06.
- Total offense: ECU actually held the edge, 417-396.
- Attendance: 40,074.
What’s Next for the Rivalry?
This was the final game currently scheduled between the in-state rivals. App State swept the four-game series, winning in Charlotte in 2021, Boone in 2023 and Greenville in 2024 and 2026.
Sources have indicated that another series between the schools could be announced in the near future.
For now, App State gets to keep the bragging rights indefinitely.
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