At a Glance
- Freshman QB Chaston Ditta leads ECU to a 23-17 win over Pitt in his first collegiate start.
- He completed 8 of 17 passes for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- The victory capped a 9-4 season for the Pirates.
Why it matters: It marks a breakthrough for a rookie quarterback and shows ECU’s resilience against ACC competition.
When East Carolina’s freshman quarterback Chaston Ditta stepped into the spotlight on Saturday, he delivered a performance that turned the tide in a tight game against Pitt. The 23-17 win was his first collegiate start and the first time the Pirates faced an ACC opponent in a high-stakes setting.
Game Highlights
Ditta threw for 177 yards and two touchdowns, completing 8 of 17 passes without an interception. He had only completed four passes all season before the game, yet he maintained his redshirt status by keeping his play count within the updated criteria, as postseason bowl games do not count.
- 8 of 17 completions
- 177 yards
- 2 touchdowns
- No interceptions
Coach’s Praise
Coach Blake Harrell praised Ditta’s effort, noting that the rookie had only played in fourth-quarter blowout wins earlier in the season.
Blake Harrell said:
> “played his tail off.”
Blake Harrell also said:
> “The games he played this year were fourth-quarter blowout wins, so he hadn’t been in the heat of the moment against competition like Pitt, an ACC team. For him to go out there and fight to the end, not only through the air but on the ground as well. He’s a tough kid and has a bright future ahead of him.”
Key Stats Table
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Completions | 8 of 17 |
| Yards | 177 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
Season Context
East Carolina finished the season with a 9-4 record, a solid performance that includes the bowl win over Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- Freshman QB Chaston Ditta made a strong debut, throwing 177 yards and 2 TDs.
- Coach Harrell highlighted Ditta’s resilience against ACC competition.
- The win contributed to a 9-4 season for ECU.
Ditta’s first start not only showcased his talent but also underscored East Carolina’s growing competitiveness on the national stage.
