With the Pirates looking to kneel out a 26-21 win over the Wolfpack, ECU freshman receiver Yannick Smith grabbed a towel off of NC State nickelback Tamarcus Cooley. The NC State defensive back went after Smith, trying to get the towel back and eventually pushing the receiver over, prompting ECU tight end Casey Kelly to push Cooley off of Smith.

REQUIRED READING: NC State football vs ECU score: Live updates, highlights from Military Bowl

Players and staff from both teams showed up, appearing to attempt to diffuse the situation. However, a fight quickly broke out, with several players appearing to throw punches.

Both teams were called for unsportsmanlike conduct, and each saw players get ejected: three players for ECU and five players for NC State. The fight also saw umpire Rod Tucker (per Football Zebras) receive a gash under his left eye that required medical attention on the field.