On September 21, 2024, the East Carolina University (ECU) Pirates faced off against the Liberty University Flames in a thrilling college football matchup at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia. This game, marked by a dramatic weather delay and a fierce second-half comeback, ended with Liberty securing a 35-24 victory over ECU. For fans and analysts searching for “ECU football vs. Liberty football match player stats,” this article offers a comprehensive breakdown of the key performances, standout players, and critical moments that defined the contest. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter of the Pirates or Flames or simply a college football enthusiast, this deep dive into the player stats will give you everything you need to understand the game’s dynamics.
Game Overview: Setting the Stage
The ECU Pirates entered the game with a 2-1 record, fresh off a loss to Appalachian State, while the Liberty Flames boasted an undefeated 3-0 start in their Conference USA (CUSA) campaign. This was the first-ever meeting between the two programs, despite their geographical proximity—just over 200 miles apart. The game was delayed for over four and a half hours due to inclement weather, pushing the action well into the early hours of Sunday morning. Despite the setback, a record crowd of 24,076 fans filled Williams Stadium, eager to witness the showdown.
Liberty ultimately overcame a 17-0 deficit, thanks to a dominant second half led by quarterback Kaidon Salter and wide receiver Reese Smith. ECU showed resilience but couldn’t hold off the Flames’ late surge. Let’s explore the player stats that shaped this unforgettable game.
Key Player Stats: Offense
Liberty Flames
- Kaidon Salter (Quarterback)
- Passing: 19 completions on 32 attempts, 223 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception
- Rushing: 9 carries, 25 yards
Salter was the heartbeat of Liberty’s comeback. His four touchdown passes—three to Reese Smith—tied a season-high and showcased his dual-threat ability. Despite an early interception and a fumble, Salter’s composure in the second half turned the tide. His 223 passing yards ranked him among the game’s top performers, and his ability to extend plays with his legs kept ECU’s defense on edge.
- Quinton Cooley (Running Back)
- Rushing: 19 carries, 105 yards, 1 touchdown
- Key Play: 21-yard touchdown run with 2:07 remaining
Cooley’s third 100-yard game of the season was pivotal in sealing the win. Facing an ECU defense ranked 18th nationally in rushing defense (allowing just 73 yards per game), Cooley’s 105 yards highlighted Liberty’s ground-game prowess. His 21-yard scamper late in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach, finishing a 10-play, 77-yard drive.
- Reese Smith (Wide Receiver)
- Receiving: 6 receptions, 80 yards, 3 touchdowns
Smith was the standout star, tying a Liberty record with three touchdown catches—all on third downs in the red zone. After missing the 2023 season due to injuries, the West Virginia transfer proved his worth, hauling in critical scores of 14 and 15 yards in the second half to give Liberty the lead. His 80 receiving yards led the Flames, making him a nightmare for ECU’s secondary.
- Receiving: 6 receptions, 80 yards, 3 touchdowns
East Carolina Pirates
- Jake Garcia (Quarterback)
- Passing: 20 completions on 36 attempts, 204 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception
- Rushing: 8 carries, 29 yards, 1 touchdown
Garcia started strong, leading ECU to a 17-0 advantage with an 8-yard scrambling touchdown in the first quarter. However, his lack of passing touchdowns and a late interception (returned 35 yards by Liberty’s Dexter Ricks Jr.) hindered the Pirates’ comeback hopes. His 204 passing yards were solid, but he couldn’t match Salter’s second-half efficiency.
- Rahjai Harris (Running Back)
- Rushing: 14 carries, 47 yards, 1 touchdown
- Key Play: 2-yard touchdown run in the third quarter
Harris was ECU’s leading rusher, though his 47 yards paled in comparison to Cooley’s output. His 2-yard score briefly regained the lead for ECU at 24-21, but a fumble in the fourth quarter—recovered by Liberty’s A’Khori Jones—proved costly, setting up the Flames’ final touchdown.
- Chase Sowell (Wide Receiver)
- Receiving: 5 receptions, 72 yards
Sowell led ECU in receiving yards, providing Garcia with a reliable target. His longest catch, a 25-yarder, set up an early scoring drive, but he couldn’t find the end zone as Liberty’s defense tightened in the red zone.
- Receiving: 5 receptions, 72 yards
Team Offensive Stats Comparison
- Total Yards: Liberty 414, ECU 331
- Passing Yards: Liberty 223, ECU 204
- Rushing Yards: Liberty 191, ECU 127
- Yards Per Play: Liberty 5.4, ECU 4.9
Liberty outgained ECU by 83 yards, with a balanced attack that averaged 5.4 yards per play. The Flames’ 191 rushing yards against ECU’s stout defense underscored their physicality, while ECU leaned on Garcia’s arm and short runs to move the ball.
Defensive Standouts
Liberty Flames
- A’Khori Jones (Linebacker)
- Tackles: 7
- Fumble Recovery: 1 (6-yard return)
Jones’ fumble recovery in the fourth quarter sparked Liberty’s game-clinching drive. His seven tackles tied for the team lead, showcasing his instincts and playmaking ability.
- Joseph Carter (Linebacker)
- Tackles: 7
Carter matched Jones with seven stops, anchoring a defense that forced two turnovers and limited ECU’s second-half scoring. His late hit penalty early in the game extended an ECU drive, but he redeemed himself with consistent pressure.
- Tackles: 7
East Carolina Pirates
- D.J. Johnson Jr. (Defensive Lineman)
- Fumble Recovery: 1
Johnson’s recovery of Salter’s fumble at the Liberty 1-yard line led to an immediate ECU touchdown, pushing the lead to 14-0. His disruption up front was key in the Pirates’ early dominance.
- Fumble Recovery: 1
- Isaiah Brown-Murray (Defensive Back)
- Interception: 1 (35-yard return)
Brown-Murray’s pick of Salter in the second quarter set up ECU at the Liberty 7, though the Pirates settled for a missed field goal. His return highlighted ECU’s early defensive aggression.
- Interception: 1 (35-yard return)
Turning Points: How Stats Shaped the Game
- ECU’s Early Lead (17-0)
Garcia’s rushing touchdown, a fumble recovery touchdown by Marlon Gunn Jr., and a 34-yard field goal by Andrew Conrad built a commanding lead. Liberty’s offense struggled initially, with Salter’s fumble and interception stalling drives. - Liberty’s Second-Half Surge
Salter connected with Smith for three touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters, erasing the deficit. A 14-yard score made it 17-21, and a 15-yard strike gave Liberty a 28-24 lead. Cooley’s 21-yard run sealed the deal after Jones’ fumble recovery. - Turnovers Tell the Tale
ECU’s two turnovers (Harris’ fumble and Garcia’s interception) directly led to 14 Liberty points, while Liberty’s defense capitalized on every mistake. The Flames’ plus-1 turnover margin (2 forced, 1 committed) was a game-changer.
Statistical Highlights
- Third-Down Efficiency: Liberty converted 13 of 17 (76.5%), while ECU managed 7 of 15 (46.7%). Smith’s three third-down touchdowns were decisive.
- Time of Possession: Liberty dominated with 36:43 to ECU’s 23:17, wearing down the Pirates’ defense.
- Red-Zone Success: Liberty scored on 4 of 5 red-zone trips, while ECU managed 3 of 5, missing a key field goal.
Why Liberty Won: Analyzing the Stats
Liberty’s victory hinged on their second-half adjustments and ability to exploit ECU’s mistakes. Salter’s four touchdown passes overwhelmed a Pirates secondary that allowed 424 passing yards the previous week against Appalachian State. Cooley’s 105 rushing yards neutralized ECU’s top-tier run defense, and the Flames’ defense forced turnovers at critical moments. ECU’s inability to sustain their early momentum—coupled with a missed field goal and late turnovers—let the game slip away.
Conclusion
The September 21, 2024, ECU vs. Liberty football match was a tale of two halves, defined by standout player performances and pivotal stats. Kaidon Salter, Quinton Cooley, and Reese Smith powered Liberty’s comeback, while Jake Garcia and Rahjai Harris kept ECU competitive until the end. For those researching “ECU football vs. Liberty football match player stats,” this game showcased the importance of resilience, red-zone efficiency, and turnover management. Liberty’s 35-24 win extended their regular-season winning streak to 16 games, cementing their status as a CUSA powerhouse, while ECU left Lynchburg with lessons to build on. This clash will be remembered as a statistical showcase of college football at its finest.