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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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Navy

Saturday, October 17th

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Wide receiver CJ Williams #20 of the Navy Midshipmen scores a touchdown against the East Carolina Pirates during the second half at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Wide receiver CJ Williams #20 of the Navy Midshipmen scores a touchdown against the East Carolina Pirates during the second half at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Last Matchup: 42-10 Navy (2019)

Navy loses a lot following last year’s 11-2 campaign, including star quarterback Malcolm Perry. Navy was a good team regardless, but Perry was a large reason for their success a year ago. Ranking 19th nationally in total offense, Navy and their triple-option was near impossible to defend. New ECU defensive coordinator Blake Harrell has a long history with the triple option, seeing it in practice every day at a couple of his last stops. I think Navy takes a step back and ECU will break their four-game losing streak to the Midshipmen.

Prediction: Win (5-2)

@ Tulsa

Friday, October 30th

DALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 05: Zach Smith #11 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 05: Zach Smith #11 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Last Matchup: 49-24 Tulsa (2019)

Coming off a bye week, this is definitely a winnable game for the Pirates. Tulsa was probably the best 4-8 team in the country a year ago, losing some tough games. They were a short field goal away from upsetting #24 SMU, but fell in triple overtime. It’s really hard to say how their 2020 season will go, but senior quarterback Zach Smith is enough of a reason for them to be optimistic. Tulsa’s offense, returning almost everyone, will be too good for ECU to win this one.

Prediction: Loss (5-3)

Tulane

Saturday, November 7th

PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 16: Amare Jones #11 of the Tulane Green Wave runs the ball against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field on November 16, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 16: Amare Jones #11 of the Tulane Green Wave runs the ball against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field on November 16, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Last Matchup: 24-18 Tulane (2018)

After taking a year off, the two teams meet again in the first of two straight years playing in Greenville. The Green Wave got off to a hot 5-1 start in 2019 before going 2-5 to finish the year. Tulane had the 23rd best offense in the country in 2019, but lose about 70 percent of their production. Their defense wasn’t impressive at all and I don’t see any reason to believe it will get better this year. ECU should be able to win this one.

Prediction: Win (6-3)

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