WATCH: Highlights

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- Freshman quarterback Holton Ahlers ran for two of East Carolina's four rushing touchdowns while Reid Herring threw for another score as the Pirates beat North Carolina 41-19 on Saturday.

Herring threw for 290 yards while directing a turnover-free performance for ECU (1-1), which was coming off a dispiriting home loss to Championship Subdivision opponent North Carolina A&T. That increased the pressure on third-year coach Scottie Montgomery to show progress -- enough so that Montgomery noted this week's game was "very critical for our coaching career."

His team responded in an emotional in-state matchup, while the Tar Heels (0-2) offered another display of bad penalties and offensive struggles.

Jordon Brown ran for UNC's only touchdown, while Freeman Jones kicked four field goals. But the Tar Heels converted 5 of 16 third downs and managed 35 yards of third-quarter offense as the Pirates stretched a 21-19 halftime lead.

THE TAKEAWAY

UNC: The Tar Heels are 0-2 for the second straight season. They had ill-timed penalties, quarterback Nathan Elliott struggled to keep the offense moving consistently and the defense has yet to record a takeaway in two games.

ECU: Montgomery definitely needed this one, even if only to ease the already intense pressure a bit. Among the positive signs: The Herring-led offense converted 11 of 19 third downs while finding success on the ground (220 yards) and through the air.

UP NEXT

UNC: The Tar Heels play their home opener against No. 19 UCF, which was unbeaten last year, next Saturday.

ECU: The Pirates play another ACC team, traveling to No. 12 Virginia Tech next Saturday.