Despite a late Boise State comeback in the final minutes of regulation, East Carolina and MVP Chris Johnson are Hawaii bowl champions, the AP reports. A field goal at the end of regulation gave the Pirates a 41-38 victory over the favorites 24th-ranked Boise State. The victory is East Carolina's first in the post season since 2000.
Chris Johnson had 223 rushing yards, 153 on special teams, and 32 receiving to set a bowl record with 408 all purpose yards. However, with little more than a minute left, his fumble led to the score being tied at 38. The 8-5 Panthers dominated the early stretches, limiting the Broncos to a mere three yards of offense in the first quarter. (More NCAA football stories.)