DENTON, Texas — In an exciting game on Saturday, East Carolina showcased a remarkable comeback to defeat North Texas 40-28, thanks in large part to the impressive performance of Rahjai Harris, who rushed for 128 yards and scored three touchdowns.

After finding themselves in a tough position, down 21-0 at one point in the first half, the Pirates (7-4, 5-2 in the American Athletic Conference) began their rally just before halftime with a crucial 1-yard touchdown run from Harris. This set the stage for an explosive third quarter, where East Carolina scored a total of 24 points.

Harris ignited the second half with a 39-yard touchdown run, followed by Andrew Conrad, who successfully kicked a 38-yard field goal. Quarterback Katin Houser then connected with Anthony Smith on a 50-yard touchdown pass and later found Yannick Smith for a 28-yard scoring play, lifting the Pirates to a solid 31-21 lead.

North Texas (5-6, 2-5) attempted to close the gap with a 7-yard touchdown run from Makenzie McGill, but Conrad’s subsequent field goal and another touchdown run from Harris, this time a 7-yarder, solidified the Pirates’ victory late in the game.

For East Carolina, Houser ended the game with 298 passing yards, throwing two touchdowns along with one interception. His receiving corps shined, with Anthony Smith racking up 121 yards and Yannick Smith contributing 112 yards.

The Mean Green’s Chandler Morris kept the competition tight with his performance, throwing for 266 yards and three touchdown passes, two of which were caught by Blair Conwright.