We have begun our series of an early look ahead to the teams on Liberty’s 2024 schedule. We will give a quick preview of all 12 teams that stand in the Flames’ way of a second straight unbeaten season as second-year head coach Jamey Chadwell prepares his team to defend its 2023 CUSA title.

Today’s focus is on the East Carolina Pirates who are looking to bounce back from a miserable 2-10 season last year, their worst since 2004.

East Carolina

  • When: Saturday, Sep. 21 at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg (6 p.m. ESPN Network TBD)
  • Last year’s record: 2-10, 1-7 American (t-13th)
  • Coach: Mike Houston, 24-34 in five years at ECU
  • 2024 SP+ ranking: 99th
  • Series History: N/A, first meeting

Last Meeting: N/A, first meeting

Program History:

National Championships: 0

Conference Championships: 7

Bowl Record: 7-9

Last Bowl Appearance: 2022 – Birmingham Bowl vs. Coastal Carolina 53-29 win

Coming off back-to-back bowl appearances, East Carolina slid to the bottom of the AAC last season with a 2-10 overall record. It was expected to be a bit of a rebuilding campaign but not many expected that few wins.

This year, Mike Houston’s squad should be much improved and will be a tough out for any team on its schedule, including the Flames, as they hope to get back to a bowl game.

The Pirates will be moving to a much more heavy passing attack and more tempo on offense this fall. This comes on the heels of scoring just 17.3 points per game last year.

ECU had a strong defense last year, despite the poor overall record. They allowed only 122 rushing yards per game and return 7 starters on that side of the ball. The big matchup to watch in this one will clearly be the Pirates’ rushing defense against Liberty’s rushing offense.

The week prior, East Carolina hosts Appalachian State in a game that will have a lot of Liberty’s attention as it features the Flames’ next two opponents.

What’s at Stake?

This will be a prime opportunity for the Flames to pick up a marquee win out of conference. Liberty has a weak strength of schedule, but playing a team like East Carolina from the AAC could be a nice feather in the cap if it’s a victory, especially if the Pirates return to near the top of that league like many expect.

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