WRAL Sports Fan

ECU

ECU falls to Kentucky in Liberty Bowl 26-19

Jan 2, 2009

East Carolina dominated the entire first half against Kentucky, and were going for the knockout late in the first half when Darryl Freeney dropped a wide open touchdown pass that would have made it a 23-3 game headed into the break. 

 

The Pirates did not go for a field goal and turned it over on downs which was a huge momentum boost for the Wildcats.  From that point on Kentucky owned ECU in every aspect of the game.

 

David Jones returned the second half kickoff 99 yards for a score to make it 16-9, then Mike Hartline tied things up with a 19 yard pass to Kyrus Lanxter.  The Pirates led again briefly 19-16 on Ben Hartman's 43 yard field goal late in the 3rd, but the Wildcats answered with a field goal in the 4th.

 

The collapse was complete when Norman Whitley fumbled and Kent Vantrell Jenkins scooped up the loose ball and rumbled 56 yards for the touchdown and capped a remarkable turnaround in a game the Pirates should have won.