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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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UCF

Thursday, September 24th

CINCINNATI, OH – OCTOBER 04: Head coach Josh Heupel of the Central Florida Knights prepares to take his team onto the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on October 4, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – OCTOBER 04: Head coach Josh Heupel of the Central Florida Knights prepares to take his team onto the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on October 4, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Last Matchup: 41-28 UCF (2019)

Knights quarterback Dillon Gabriel was one of the best freshmen quarterbacks in the country a year ago. He led them to a 10-win season and second-ranked offense. He did struggle a bit on the road and UCF will be heading into Greenville coming off their second game versus an ACC opponent (Georgia Tech). They play UNC at home to open the season. The Knights could probably lose one of those games and still be in the Top-25. Both teams will have a short week, but it comes after a road game at Georgia Tech for UCF and ECU is coming off of a home game against an FCS team. I think two road games in six days for UCF will be the difference and ECU will pull the upset at home.

Prediction: ECU Win (3-1)

@ Georgia State

Saturday, October 3rd

STATESBORO, GA – NOVEMBER 30: Tra Barnett #5 of the Georgia State Panthers moves the ball against the Georgia Southern Eagles in the second quarter on November 30, 2019 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images)
STATESBORO, GA – NOVEMBER 30: Tra Barnett #5 of the Georgia State Panthers moves the ball against the Georgia Southern Eagles in the second quarter on November 30, 2019 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images) /

Last Matchup: None

Georgia State returns only half of its offensive production, but return 83 percent of defensive production which ranked 11th nationally. They had a very up and down year in their 7-6 2019 season, but only lost one game at home (App St). Most people remember their opening week 38-30 upset win at Tennessee. This game is a toss-up as of now, but I think ECU has better talent and will have two extra days to prepare.

Prediction: Win (4-1)

@ South Florida

Saturday, October 10th

TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 07: Jordan McCloud #12 of the South Florida Bulls looks on during a game against the Temple Owls at Raymond James Stadium on November 07, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 07: Jordan McCloud #12 of the South Florida Bulls looks on during a game against the Temple Owls at Raymond James Stadium on November 07, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Last Matchup: 45-20 USF (2019)

Another team with an up and down year, USF didn’t get their first FBS win until Week Five against UCONN. That was a game that the Pirates really expected to win, but got blown out 45-20. USF has a good amount a talent coming back, but not head coach Charlie Strong. The Bulls are bringing in former Clemson offensive coordinator Jeff Scott as their new head coach. I think this game is winnable for ECU, but South Florida is going to pull out a close one.

Prediction: Loss (4-2)

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