Old North Banter
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2020 ECU Football: Way-Too-Early Predictions

By Zack Smith

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 09: Holton Ahlers #12 of the East Carolina Pirates in the first half at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 09: Holton Ahlers #12 of the East Carolina Pirates in the first half at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Marshall

Saturday, August 29th

Only two days after the official schedule was released, it was changed. On Thursday, ECU announced that their game with Marshall will be moved from Week One (September 5) to Week Zero (August 29). The decision was made to honor the 75 victims of the 1970 plane crash following the game in Greenville. The recognition of the 50th anniversary of the tragedy and the renewal of the old rivalry will be featured on national television.

After seven years without playing, this game will make a huge season opener for both teams. I really think this game will mean more to ECU and to Mike Houston in his second year. Marshall won eight games and went bowling last year, while ECU is on a four-year drought. Look for the Pirates to come out and do whatever it takes to win this game.

Prediction: Win (1-0)

at South Carolina

Saturday, September 12th

COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 28: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks warms up prior to the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 28: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks warms up prior to the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Last Matchup: 20-15 S. Carolina (2016)

Behind freshman quarterback Ryan Hillinski, the Gamecocks had a disappointing 4-8 season. Much of the struggles stemmed from the offensive side of the ball. They were only able to score 24 points in their last three games combined resulting in losses. In his second year, Hillinski will likely help the 96th ranked total offense take a leap up this year. They flashed their potential last season in their 20-17 overtime road win at Georgia. I think that game is a glimpse of the potential this team can show in 2020. The Gamecocks will probably be too much for ECU to handle, especially in Columbia.

Prediction: Loss (1-1)

Norfolk State

Saturday, September 19th

PISCATAWAY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 05: DeAndre Sangster #8 of the Norfolk State Spartans celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Thomas Stinger #38 against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half in a game at High Point Solutions Stadium on September 5, 2015 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 05: DeAndre Sangster #8 of the Norfolk State Spartans celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Thomas Stinger #38 against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half in a game at High Point Solutions Stadium on September 5, 2015 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images) /

Last Matchup: None

This game comes in a great spot and could potentially serve as the first win of the season following two tough games. The history for ECU against FCS teams has been a little shaky in recent years, but this team is nowhere close to the level of James Madison and NC A&T. NSU tallied five wins in their 2019 campaign and will visit ECU following a game at UNC Charlotte. The Pirates shouldn’t have any problems with this one.

Prediction: ECU Win (2-1)

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