GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP/WAVY) — Jake Garcia threw four touchdown passes and East Carolina overcame six turnovers with the help of a stifling defense in a 42-3 win over Norfolk State on Saturday night in the Pirates’ season opener.
Garcia, a Missouri transfer, was 23-of-36 for 308 yards and added 39 yards on the ground but threw three interceptions. Two of his touchdowns went to Desirrio Riles with one each to Anthony Smith and Casey Kelly. Javious Bond added a rushing TD.
The Pirates also lost three fumbles.
The Pirates rolled to 506 yards on offense while holding the Spartans from the FCS to 114. The Spartans (0-2) converted only one of 18 third downs.
East Carolina’s Gavin Gibson had a 30-yard pick-6 that put the Pirates up 21-6 on their way to a 28-3 halftime lead.
For Norfolk State, it took an early 3-0 lead on a Grandin Wilcox 39-yard field goal after getting an interception from defensive back Ricky Harleston on the Pirates’ opening possession.
Terron Mallory, who lead the MEAC in interceptions last season, picked off two passes for the Spartans on back-to-back possessions in the second quarter.
Norfolk State had just 114 yards of total offense to East Carolina’s 557.
