East Carolina Football: 2024 Pirates Season Preview and Prediction

Last season, East Carolina struggled to find their footing, finishing with a 2-10 record. The team experienced issues in four close games, unable to overcome their challenges. Coach Mike Houston has concluded three out of his five seasons at ECU with a losing record, undoubtedly leaving a bitter taste for the former FCS championship winner at James Madison.

Multiple factors led to the Pirates’ poor performance as one of the weakest teams in FBS last season, with their notably low scoring being a significant contributing factor.

East Carolina scored only 22 touchdowns, the lowest in the league, and managed a mere 17.3 points per game, placing them among the bottom five teams in FBS. They struggled to surpass 10 points in five separate games, including a 10-0 defeat to Navy near the end of the season.

The performance of the quarterbacks, particularly departed QB Alex Flinn, was a factor, as he threw 12 interceptions compared to six touchdowns. To address this issue, Coach Mike Houston’s staff recruited two former Power 5 quarterbacks, Missouri’s Jake Garcia and Michigan State’s Katin Houser.

Previewing East Carolina’s Defense for 2024

Indeed, in 2023, ECU’s defense stood out as the stronger aspect of their game. Their opponents averaged 5.2 yards per play last season, placing them just behind Tulane among the teams returning to the AAC in 2024.

The depth of ECU’s defensive line is impressive, but their pass rush only resulted in 18 sacks last season. Both returning players like Chad Stephens and new addition Ryheem Craig, a transfer from Louisville, will be crucial in addressing this weakness. Additionally, redshirt senior D’Anta Johnson, an All-AAC selection from last season, recorded four sacks and 9.5 tackles for a loss. The arrival of Ohio State graduate transfer Jaden McKenzie also brings an intriguing dynamic to the group.

Senior cornerback Shavon Revel is another standout player to watch, particularly for NFL Draft enthusiasts this season. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, he was a second-team All-AAC selection last season, showcasing his playmaking abilities with 54 tackles, 3.5 for a loss, an interception, and a fumble return for a touchdown. He also made 12 pass breakups and blocked two kicks.

Previewing East Carolina’s Specialists for 2024

Punter Luke Larsen renews his role after delivering 60 punts in 2023, with only one resulting in a touchback and 19 landing inside the 20-yard line. Andrew Conrad, the placekicker, is also returning after averaging 1.5 successful field goals per game last season, although he missed seven of his 25 attempts. Javious Bond and Josh Murphy did not have any defining moments in the return game in 2023.