ECU Pirates Have a Tricky Road to Peach Bowl

After their excellent early-season form (see their midseason report here), it would be easy to prematurely anoint the East Carolina Pirates as American Athletic Conference champions. A look at their schedule would back that up.

No Houston, no Memphis, and an offense-free UCF in Greenville appears to be the only major threat. But overlooking any opponent could ruin the Pirates’ chances of winning the AAC and making a potential appearance in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Granted, one loss could be allowed, but why leave anything to chance?

Here’s a rundown of the remaining six opponents, and the dangers they present:

vs. Connecticut Huskies

With a week to get over the first half lag that affected them against USF, hopefully the Pirates will have a better appreciation for the “any given Saturday” curse that strikes weekly in college football. That brings us to UConn, which has managed just one win—a 19-16 victory over Stony Brook.

The Husky offense is simply terrible, averaging less than 13 points per game, but their defense is tough, particularly against the run. In saying that, the pass rush is negligible, and UConn has struggled against the better passing attacks.

Odds of an ECU win: Excellent

at Temple Owls

This is one to keep an eye on. The Owls looked pretty good this season before getting smoked by Houston last week. The offense isn’t great outside of P.J. Walker, but he’s as likely to toss the ball to the opposition as slice and dice them. The defense is aggressive, and does a good job of forcing turnovers, and scoring off them, but can be pushed around, as Houston and Navy proved. The special teams certainly deserves a nod too, as they’ve scored a couple of times in the punt game, including a blocked punt.

Shane Carden has been loose with the football in the past, and will need to be careful against the Owls.

Odds of an ECU win: Very Good

at Cincinnati Bearcats

This could be the toughest matchup on the schedule.

Cincinnati’s defense looked to be in a shambles in a three-game losing streak where it allowed 146 points, but looked much improved last weekend against SMU (yeah, I know). The offense is better, but the running game is inconsistent, as is quarterback Gunner Kiel. However, this is an experienced team with plenty of speed, and Kiel has shown the ability to hit the deep ball. The offensive line has done a decent job of keeping Kiel upright, and the Pirates will have to manufacture a stronger pass rush to keep him off balance.

Odds of an ECU win: Good

vs. Tulane Green Wave

Tulane has struggled after a reasonably bright start over the first three games of the season, and the primary problem has been quarterback. The running backs have done a good job of moving the ball, while the defense looks better every week.

The Green Wave actually won this game last season, with Devin Powell leading them to victory. Powell has hardly looked the part this season, and likely won’t be starting in this matchup. They better find someone, as the running game won’t be able to keep pace with the Pirates if the defense can’t keep up their end of the bargain.

Odds of an ECU win: Very Good

at Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Tulsa is like the anti-Tulane; its offense has been pretty effective, but an experienced defense has failed to stop any opponent effectively.

Quarterback Dane Evans has been inconsistent, but can move the ball well at times, and has a great rapport with receiver Keevan Lucas. Tulsa has moved to run the football more lately, and has been okay in that department, but the Golden Hurricane are all about the defense.

South Florida and Tulane have put over 30 points on them—imagine what ECU can do.

Odds of an ECU win: Very Good

vs. UCF Knights

What is going with Central Florida? The defense has been terrific, and is the primary reason it is 4-2 and in the thick of the AAC race. But the offense has been poor, and there doesn’t look to be any light on the horizon, despite the occasional flashes from quarterback Justin Holman. The running game hasn’t done it’s part, averaging just 95 yards per game, and UCF won’t win in a shootout.

The defense will have to be at the top of its game, but if anyone can slow down ECU, it’s the Knights.

Odds of an ECU win: Good