Projected 2017 record and S&P+ ranking: 4-8 (100th)
Biggest strength: The passing game. The receiving corps just lost a 150-catch wideout but appears far more balanced and deep this year, and ECU just added a high-caliber QB transfer to test returnee Gardner Minshew.
Biggest question mark: In theory, the massive amount of injury that the defense dealt with last year should create depth and experience in 2017. But … is there actual talent here?
Biggest 2017 game: The USF game (Sept. 29) is the AAC opener for a team that lost seven AAC games by double digits last year and has a point to prove. Sounds pretty big.
Summary: Critics of ECU’s firing of Ruffin McNeill found plenty of affirmation when new coach Scottie Montgomery oversaw a total first-year collapse. But the Pirates were so banged up that they never had a chance. Can a deeper, more experienced ECU squad prove that Montgomery has the upside to justify the move?
Montgomery lauds additions, announces subtractions
Montgomery announced senior running back Scott and junior defensive end Bowden would miss the season after being ruled academically ineligible. The coach also said freshman receiver Proehl is out for the season after tearing his ACL during practice.
As for junior receiver Trevon Brown, who missed last year due to academics and now remains sidelined with a neck injury, Montgomery admitted the player’s return remains a question mark.
Interesting Idea. I’d imagine the ticketing process would be the #1 issue raised at UH
“The Fan Engagement Council is a way for our athletics department to hear directly from various representatives of our fan base about the things they care about the most regarding the game day experience for our events,” Compher said. “I look at this as a year-long focus group and I am excited to learn first-hand about their interactions with ECU Athletics - from our website, to our ticket buying process, to parking, concessions, and even the restrooms. Everything will be on the table for discussion.”
Pirate rush attack in development
For one, the offensive line has been in constant flux, including even more adjustments this week. For another, five different rushers have at least 18 carries for the Pirates, though it’s quarterback Thomas Sirk leading the team with 159 yards in four games, 87 of them in last week’s 61-31 loss to South Florida.
http://www.witn.com/content/sports/ECU-set-for-Saturdays-conference-test-at-Houston-454798953.html
THE SERIES
ECU leads 7-5 … Oddly, the Pirates have captured four of six meetings in Houston, but have split six matchups played at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium … As previously mentioned, today’s battle marks the first American Athletic Conference clash between the two programs.
SCOTTIE MONTGOMERY AGAINST THE COUGARS, (CITY OF) HOUSTON
Despite Scottie Montgomery’s seven-year tenure as a collegiate assistant coach (2006-09, 2013-15), Saturday’s meeting will be his first-ever against UH … However, he has played the role of an “opponent” in the city of Houston on one prior occasion, suffering a 17-10 loss to the Texans at what was then known as Reliant Stadium on Oct. 2, 2011 while serving as a wide receivers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers.