Just when it seemed like East Carolina had finally found some traction under head coach Mike Houston, everything went downhill in 2023.
Coming off back-to-back winning seasons and bowl berths, the Pirates had one of the worst seasons in the Group of Five last year. Predicted to finish sixth in the AAC, the Pirates went on to finish dead last, going 2-10 overall and 1-7 in conference play.
It was all too familiar for the ECU faithful, who sat through five lowly seasons where ECU didn’t eclipse four wins from 2016-20.
Houston now looks to right the ship as he enters his fifth year at the helm. His tenure has been inconsistent, but there’s a lot of optimism that this season should go much better than last.
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East Carolina Football’s AAC Title Odds
East Carolina’s odds to win the AAC are +1600, via BetMGM.
East Carolina Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
East Carolina’s win total Over/Under is 6.5, with the Over at -110 and the Under at -110.
East Carolina Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 vs Norfolk State
9/7 at Old Dominion
9/14 vs App State
9/21 at Liberty
9/28 vs UTSA
10/5 at Charlotte
10/19 at Army
10/26 vs Temple
11/7 vs FAU
11/14 at Tulsa
11/23 at North Texas
11/30 vs Navy
Bold indicates AAC contests
Key East Carolina Football Returners
2023 All-AAC Second Team
DL D’Anta Johnson
CB Shavon Revel
Honorable Mention
DL Chad Stephens
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What Can We Expect From East Carolina Football’s Offense?
A big reason why 2023 was a down year for the Pirates is because their offense wasn’t great. They lost their (and the AAC’s) all-time leading passer in Holton Ahlers, a standout running back who was making strides in the NFL before tearing his ACL in Keaton Mitchell, and a pair of 1,000-yard receivers. Talk about a lot of production to replace.
ECU’s points per game dropped from 32.5 to 17.5 per game, and their yards per game went from 461 to 277.
While the offense took a step back last season, it should be much improved in 2024 as it adjusts to more of a high-tempo attack.
There’s currently a quarterback battle going on between Power Four transfers Katin Houser (Michigan State) and Jake Garcia (Missouri). Regardless of who earns the starting role, both guys have the potential to lead this offense to more production.
Rahjai Harris has been at ECU since 2020 but sat behind Mitchell on the depth chart before sharing duties last season. He is the No. 1 guy but should share the work with Javious Bond again as the duo look to provide more of a ground presence. The Pirates return four starters on the offensive line, which will be a huge boost.
Last year’s leading wideout Chase Sowell is back after finishing with 622 yards on 47 receptions but only hauled in one touchdown. He’ll likely start alongside transfers Winston Wright Jr. (Florida State) and Anthony Smith (NC State). These three need to provide some explosiveness.
While the offense was stagnant all season long, the Pirates’ defense was stout. It tied for third in the league in points allowed per game (22.4) and second in yards allowed per game (341.3).
This defense should be as good as it was last year and returns seven starters, including three all-conference selections.
D’Anta Johnson led the team with four sacks and added 9.5 tackles for loss while Chad Stephens finished with 12 TFLs and 3.5 sacks. They should be back causing havoc in opposing backfields along with Elijah Morris and Ryheem Craig. This is arguably the top DL in the league. Mike Edwards III returns at linebacker after finishing second on the team with 61 tackles, and Shavon Revel Jr. tallied 54 tackles to go with 12 pass breakups and one interception.
The Pirates’ defense is likely what will keep them in games again this season. The offense will just need to pull its weight.
2024 East Carolina Football Season Prediction
I don’t think ECU will win the AAC title, but I do think Houston and the Pirates can do a 180 and get to a bowl game.
They donʻt face any Power Four opponents, but their non-conference slate will still be difficult as they face some of the top teams in HERO Sports’ G5 Top 25.
ECU should have a solid chance to start the season 2-0 with wins vs. Norfolk State and at Old Dominion before a brutal three-game stretch against App State, Liberty, and UTSA. At least they’ll play App State and UTSA at home.
Following that, the Pirates will face the lower echelon of the AAC in their remaining seven games and could find a way to squeeze out at least four more victories. I predict the Pirates to win six games and maybe even seven, but I would be cautious about betting Over 6.5 wins.
