ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Ten victories and East Carolina’s first bowl win in six years.
The Pirates, who finished second in Conference USA’s Eastern Division, had plenty to celebrate after dominating the fourth quarter to earn a 37-20 victory over Ohio in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl.
Vintavious Cooper took over Monday’s game with a performance reminiscent of a former East Carolina running back.
Just don’t bring up that comparison to Cooper, who rushed for a career-best 198 yards and scored two touchdowns. In addition to breaking the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl record for yards rushing, the senior became the first East Carolina player to win a MVP award in a bowl game since Tennessee Titans star Chris Johnson ran for 223 yards against Boise State in the 2007 Hawaii Bowl.
“It’s a great accomplishment and I have to really give it up to the guys up front and all the work they did. When I found out I was close to 100 yards after the first quarter I told them and they got excited about it,” Cooper said.
“I would never compare myself to Chris Johnson because I really admire CJ and I look up to CJ. He’s done so much for me. I’m just happy my name is next to his in any way.”
The Pirates (10-3) grabbed the lead for good on the first of Cooper’s two touchdowns runs in the fourth quarter, a 31-yard burst with just under 10 minutes remaining.
East Carolina’s Shane Carden threw for 273 yards and one TD and also scored on a pass reception.
Tyler Tettleton and Derrius Vick threw scoring passes for Ohio (7-6).
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