East Carolina opened the scoring in this game on their second drive when they covered 42 yards for a touchdown. Seven and a half minutes later, Tulsa responded with a 35-yard field goal by Zach Long. Two drives later, the Pirates covered 90 yards in just over four minutes, ending with a touchdown putting them up 14-3. After a Golden Hurricane punt, the Pirates moved 60 yards down the field and settled for a field goal, giving them a 17-3 lead going into the half time break.
Coming out in the third quarter, the Golden Hurricane wasted no time in cutting into the Pirates lead, covering 78 yards in just over 90 seconds and bringing them within seven points of East Carolina. The Pirates responded on their next drive with a field goal, bringing their lead back up to 10 points over the Golden Hurricane. However, Tulsa quickly responded, and T.K. Wilkerson capped a 74-yard drive with a 13-yard rush for a touchdown to bring the Golden Hurricane within three of East Carolina. On the Pirates next drive, Justin Wright of Tulsa intercepted a pass and regained possession for the Golden Hurricane. This set up a 21-yard field goal for Zach Long that tied the game at 20 points each.
Several drives later, the Pirates converted a 38-yard field goal to give them once again a three-point lead over Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane responded with another touchdown drive, ending with a 39-yard pass by Zach Smith to Juan Carlos Santana putting them in the lead 27-23. On the next possession, the Pirates ran 85-yards down the field and scored a touchdown that put them in the lead by three points. With just under four and a half minutes left in the game, the Golden Hurricane received the ball and had to travel 75 percent of the field to get the win. After converting two fourth downs, T.K. Wilkerson rushed for 18 yards, getting to ECU’s one-yard line with only 31 seconds left in the game. The next play, Wilkerson received the ball and crossed the goal line giving Tulsa a touchdown and ultimately a 34-30 win.
After winning this game, this is the first time since 2016 that Tulsa has had a three-game winning streak. This is also the first time since 2012 that Tulsa has opened conference play with a 3-0 record. Going forward from here, the Golden Hurricane will travel to Annapolis, Maryland to play Navy later this week. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday morning.
