The match between ECU and the University of Southern Miss gave the USM Golden Eagles a chance for revenge: in 1976, when the two teams had previously met, on that occasion in Ficklen Stadium, the Pirates gave the Golden Eagles a whipping, 48-0. Against USM, the Pirates rushed for over 400 yards while the Golden Eagles barely topped 60, total. In the 1978 rematch, ECU, coached by Pat Dye, came into the game having won the last two contests between the two teams, even though Southern Miss led their series, with four victories out of the six games total. This time, however, the game was played in Hattiesburg, giving Southern Miss, then 3-2, the home team advantage, one that possibly contributed to its close victory, 17-16, over the Pirates, leaving them 4-3 in the wake. As things turned out, however, the Pirates rallied after losing to Southern Miss, winning the next four games against Richmond, Appalachian State, William and Mary, and Marshall, earning a regular season record of 8-3, and an Independence Bowl invitation. At the latter, the Pirates overran Louisiana Tech, 35-13, ending the year 9-3.
Sources
- Goodrich, Bill. “Tonight’s Game: Eagles vs. East Carolina Pirates.” University of Southern Miss. vs. East Carolina. University Archives # UA40.01.02.18.02. J. Y. Joyner Library. East Carolina University. Greenville, N.C. P. 2. https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/27653
- “University of Southern Miss. vs. East Carolina.” University Archives # UA40.01.02.18.02. J. Y. Joyner Library. East Carolina University. Greenville, N.C. https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/27653
- “USM gets 17-16 win over ECU wishbone.” Hattiesburg American. October 15, 1978. P. 25.