ECU runs rampant against Gardner-Webb

East Carolina’s offense was firing on all cylinders Saturday evening as the Pirates took care of business against Gardner-Webb.

The Pirates, led by their young quarterback Holton Ahlers, threw for a touchdown and ran for two more in ECU’s 48-9 victory.

The rushing attack was able to find their stride this week unlike last week when the run game was non-existent. The Pirates accumulated 574 yards of total offense with 365 of them on the ground.

The rushing attack had a two-headed monster at running back with Darius Pinnix Jr. and Demetrius Mauney both running over 100 yards (Pinnix: 134, Mauney: 107).

The team started fast with a 7 yard touchdown run by Ahlers then scoring on the next two possessions as well to put them up 17-0 after the first quarter and leading 31-7 at the break.

Gardner-Webb’s only scoring drive was early in the second quarter with a 1 yard run by A.J. Moses. Other than that, it was nothing short of difficult for the Bulldogs to get anything going offensively.

The Pirates’ defense was able to force two turnovers, both interceptions. Gerard Stringer and Ja’Quan McMillan were the players who created the turnovers respectfully. The dominance on defense was on full-display by only allowing 186 yards of total offense.

East Carolina absolutely overwhelmed the Bulldogs in the Pirates’ home opener. They were able to assert themselves physically which led to the demise of the Bulldogs who just could not match the physicality. As well as the Pirates ensuring they were efficient on the offense side of the ball and displaying much needed balance.

The Pirates next up have a road game against Navy on Saturday which will provide a different challenge with the tripe-option attack of the Midshipmen.

As for the Bulldogs they will have their home opener this Saturday against North Carolina Central.