East Carolina Pirates

Pride of Greenville: The Heartbeat of Pirate Nation

ECU Outlasts Tulsa Behind Houser’s 300-Yard Night, 41–27

GREENVILLE, N.C. — Quarterback Katin Houser threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns, while running back London Montgomery rushed for 125 yards and a score, powering East Carolina to a 41–27 win over Tulsa on Thursday night.

The Pirates improved to 4–3 overall and 2–1 in the AAC, riding a combination of explosive plays and timely defensive stops.

First Half: Big Plays Set the Pace

ECU jumped out early with a balanced attack, highlighted by Houser connecting with wideout Anthony Smith. Smith hauled in four catches for 150 yards and two first-half touchdowns, helping the Pirates take a 24–14 lead into the break.

Tulsa stayed in striking distance behind quarterback Baylor Hayes, who completed 23 of 41 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Brody Foley led all Tulsa receivers with six catches for 126 yards and a score.

Second Half: ECU Pulls Away

On the opening possession of the second half, Montgomery exploded for a 51-yard touchdown run, extending ECU’s lead to 31–14.

Tulsa responded with a mini-comeback, scoring 10 straight points — a 46-yard field goal by Seth Morgan and a 1-yard touchdown run from Stephen Kittleman — cutting the deficit to 31–24 late in the third quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Defense and Big Plays Seal Victory

ECU regained control with a 61-yard drive capped by Andrew Conrad’s 32-yard field goal, pushing the lead to 34–24 with just over ten minutes remaining. On Tulsa’s next drive, Rion Roseborough sacked Hayes on fourth down, effectively ending the Golden Hurricane’s comeback hopes.

Houser then put the game away with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, making it 41–24. Montgomery added a late score, finishing with 125 yards and another touchdown, cementing the Pirates’ victory.

Final Take

East Carolina’s balanced offensive attack, combined with key defensive stops, proved too much for Tulsa. Houser’s 300-yard passing night and Montgomery’s breakout performance highlighted a Pirates team that continues to build momentum in the AAC.