East Carolina nearly had an epic interception return, but it got called back because of a targeting penalty.
The East Carolina Pirates find themselves in a must-win game against South Florida. Finding themselves with a 2-3 record entering Saturday’s game, a win would help their case as they try to get into a bowl game. They nearly got a break early on with an interception, but defensive back Colby Gore committed a targeting penalty to negate it.
Gore sadly hit the receiver in the head. He didn’t do much to try to stop the collision. Gore knocked himself out as well, kicking the ball in the air inadvertently. Despite all that, the ball was still impressively caught.
Travon Simmons caught the ball, which popped up in the air, and returned it for a huge gain. However, Gore’s targeting penalty negated all the effort. It’s clearly targeting because the receiver Rodney Adams qualified as a defenseless receiver.
More college football coverage from FanSided
15 most loyal college football fans in America
15 most tortured fanbases in college football
25 best college towns in America
25 college football programs with most tradition
The overturned interception has proven to be a turning point in the game. Since the interception got called back, South Florida has jumped out to a 17-6 lead. They are looking to advance to a 5-1 record and a 2-0 conference record. A loss would put the East Carolina Pirates at 2-4 and needing to get a few wins in order to play in a postseason bowl.
Next: Ranking The 30 Best Traditions In College Football
It has been that kind of season for the Pirates. After winning their first two games, including one against NC State, the Pirates have lost their last three games. Their latest loss was a frustrating one, a 20-15 loss to UCF. Overall, the Pirates have a 9-11 record in bowl games. East Carolina’s last conference championship came in 2009. They have yet to win a bowl game since moving to the American Athletic Conference. East Carolina could find themselves still looking for their first bowl win in the AAC unless they turn their season around.
They have yet to win a bowl game since moving to the American Athletic Conference. East Carolina could find themselves still looking for their first bowl win in the AAC unless they turn their season around.