East Carolina Pirates: 5 Critical Games for 2016

Nov 28, 2015; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Isaiah Jones (7) runs with the ball after a catch against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The Cincinnati Bearcats defeated the East Carolina Pirates 19-16. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Isaiah Jones (7) runs with the ball after a catch against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The Cincinnati Bearcats defeated the East Carolina Pirates 19-16. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; Annapolis, MD, USA; Navy Midshipmen running back Toneo Gulley (22) carries the ball as East Carolina Pirates defensive back Terrell Richardson (22) and Pirates defensive back Rocco Scarfone (10) make the tackle in the first quarter at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
  1. Navy Midshipmen – October 13

Thursday Night football against the natural enemy of the Pirates, the Navy. Last year’s performance against Navy was a disaster that the Pirates never could quite find their footing in. The Midshipmen still run the option offense and is so devastating partially because you never see it otherwise. Hence last season.

Navy was also in the conference race until late last season as well, meaning that this is another measuring stick game. A Pirate team that beats Navy may have something to say about who plays in the conference championship game. It is worth noting that Navy is not in the same division as the Pirates and those cross division games are important since other Eastern teams may be playing weaker competition.

One interesting fact to look at will be whether Coach Montgomery can put all those lessons from Duke-Georgia Tech games to good use against the Midshipmen.

Next: Temple