(BCSNN) — East Carolina jumped out to a 21-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back, defeating Army 28–6 on Thursday night at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The win moves the Pirates to 3–2 overall and 1–0 in American Conference play, while Army falls to 1–3 and 0–2 in league action.

Quarterback Katin Houser led the charge early, accounting for three first-quarter touchdowns—two through the air and one on the ground. He connected with Jayvontay Conner for a 20-yard score and Anthony Smith for a 40-yard strike, while also punching in a 3-yard rushing touchdown on a short-yardage call.

"Like we were talking about the whole week, we want to get that first, first down and get the offense rolling," said ECU signal caller Katin Houser. "We went down the field and scored that first drive and that led to two more in the first quarter. And the defense played really well too."

The Pirates certainly got things started right in American play.

"We talked about this being a new season and no better way to start the conference than a victory against Army and start out 1-0," said East Carolina Head Coach Blake Harrell

Army’s lone touchdown came in the third quarter on a 2-yard run by Dewayne Coleman, but the Black Knights failed to convert on the two point attempt and never threatened again.

A few things are certain - at least based on this game. The Pirates are trending upward in the American, are now above .500 and halfway to bowl eligibility. And ECU boasts one of the nation’s most efficient offenses. If the defense continues to improve, things will be looking bright in Greenville.

As for the Black Knights, the dreams of returning to the conference championship game are fading quick, along with any hope of reaching a bowl game.

ECU now gets a break with a bye week, before heading to New Orleans to face the Tulane Green Wave on Oct. 9. Meanwhile, Army is getting right back to it, with a trip to Protective Stadium in Birmingham, to take on the Blazers next Saturday, Oct. 4.