GREENVILLE, N.C. – BYU defeated East Carolina 34-13 on Saturday, continuing a dominant stretch for the Cougars and highlighting significant areas for enhancement for the Pirates as they head into conference play. The victory marks BYU’s third straight 3-0 start, the fifth time in six seasons the program has achieved the milestone, and solidifies their position as a team to watch in the Big 12 Conference.
The game, while ultimately a comfortable win for BYU, showcased pivotal moments that swung momentum, including a key interception returned for a touchdown by BYU’s Eddie Johnson. For East Carolina, a string of penalties and turnovers proved costly, halting a two-game offensive surge that had seen them outscore previous opponents 94-3. The Pirates now face a fast turnaround as they prepare to host Army in their American Conference opener.
BYU quarterback Gerry houser completed 11 of 21 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown, while running back LJ martin led the Cougars’ ground attack with 87 yards and a score. east Carolina’s offense struggled to find its rhythm,with Houser throwing for 188 yards and one interception. BYU’s defense consistently pressured Houser, contributing to the Pirates’ seven false-start penalties and two turnovers.
A turning point came late in the second quarter when Johnson intercepted a Houser pass intended for Anthony Smith and returned it for a touchdown, giving BYU a 13-3 lead. “it was just something we saw on film the whole week,” Johnson said. “The quarterback gave me the three-step (drop), and that was my possibility to just time it and just know I’ve got to go make a play and get the ball.”
BYU extended their lead throughout the second half, with Martin’s rushing touchdown and a late 2-yard run by another Cougar adding to the score.East Carolina managed a late touchdown run by their quarterback, but the deficit proved insurmountable.
“We’ve got to clean up some mistakes,” ECU coach Blake Harrell said. “We’ve got to clean up the penalties. And that’s us. That’s all of us together doing those things.”
BYU will open big 12 play on Sept. 27 with a visit to Colorado. East Carolina will host Army on Thursday in a short-week matchup.
