9.23.2000 ECU Defeats Syracuse 34-17
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| East Carolina receiver Aaron Harris, left, makes a catch as Syracuse's Keeon Walker (28) defends in the fourth quarter Saturday, Sept. 23, 2000, in Greenville, N.C.(AP Photo/Grant Halverson) |
AARON BEARD
Associated Press Writer GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- David Garrard threw long three touchdown passes and East Carolina's defense made three fourth-down stops in the second half as the Pirates beat Syracuse 34-17 Saturday.
East Carolina (3-1) cruised offensively despite a constant downpour and facing a Syracuse defense that had allowed only one touchdown in its first two games this season.
Garrard went 8-for-15 for 201 yards, with touchdowns from 33, 46 and 65 yards.
The Pirates also scored on a blocked punt in the second quarter and got two field goals from Kevin Miller. It was East Carolina's fourth consecutive game with 30 or more points.
Syracuse (1-2) found success on the ground, particularly in the second half. Tailback Dee Brown pulled the Orangemen within seven points on a 3-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
The Pirates answered with a 24-yard field goal from Miller to take a 27-17 edge.
ECU's defense took control by making the first of three fourth-down stops, stopping James Mungro at the 1 on fourth down.
After the offense went three-and-out, East Carolina's defense again held Syracuse on downs at the forced incomplete pass on fourth-and-three at the East Carolina 34-yard line. Garrard responded with a 33-yard touchdown pass to Rashon Burns with 10:22 to play.
East Carolina struggled on the ground in the first half with just 50 yards, but had few problems passing. Garrard hit six of seven passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns in the half.
East Carolina marched 65 yards on eight plays on its first drive, ending with a 27-yard field goal from Miller.
Mike Shafer tied it with a 23-yard field goal in the first quarter. Syracuse took the lead on 3-yard touchdown run by Mungro four seconds into the second quarter.
East Carolina tied it on a blocked punt by Travis Heath that Terrance Copper recovered in the end zone.
Garrard followed with touchdown passes of 46 and 65 yards to Marcellus Harris for a 24-10 halftime lead.