Annapolis, Maryland, sets the stage for a North Carolina showdown in the Military Bowl. It’s the East Carolina Pirates versus the NC State Wolfpack, a rivalry renewed under the slightly awkward guise of a bowl game. The Pirates, with a 7-5 record, enter the game having impressively gone 4-1 after firing their head coach mid-season. NC State, a more pedestrian 6-6, arrives with a three-game winning streak against East Carolina and the weight of in-state bragging rights on their shoulders.
This matchup carries the added significance of the Victory Barrel trophy, a symbol of regional dominance. NC State has held onto the Barrel for the last three years, leaving East Carolina thirsting for a taste of victory. The Pirates’ mid-season coaching change injected new life into the team, adding an element of unpredictability to this contest. Will their late-season surge continue, or will NC State’s historical dominance prevail?
Beyond the rivalry and the Barrel, this game offers both teams a chance to end a sometimes-turbulent season on a positive note. For NC State, a win would solidify their position as the superior program in the state (at least for the moment). For East Carolina, victory would be a validation of their resilience and a fitting sendoff for their outgoing seniors. While the Military Bowl may not be the Rose Bowl, it still matters to these teams, and that’s all that matters.
Catch the Military Bowl on ESPN at 5:45 PM ET.
