In the 1978 Independence Bowl, the East Carolina Pirates defeated the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 35–13.
The East Carolina Pirates forced four fumbles and intercepted Louisiana Tech Bulldogs quarterback Eric Barkley three times en route to victory.
Tech cut the lead to 21-10 with a 36-yard field goal less than a minute before the end of the half.
Tech's Swilley kicked another 36-yard field goal six minutes into the third quarter.
Pirate running back Theodore Sutton ran 45 yards for a touchdown with seven minutes remaining in the quarter.