3 Things to Watch For: ECU vs. Campbell
East Carolina returns to Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Saturday night with a chance to reset after a hard-fought 24-17 loss to NC State in the opener. The Pirates showed fight in the second half but dug themselves too deep of a hole early. Campbell now comes to town, and while the Camels are an FCS opponent, this is still a meaningful game for ECU. These early-season matchups are about more than the scoreboard — they’re about getting back in rhythm, building confidence, and sharpening the team for the tougher stretch ahead. Here are three things to watch when the Pirates hit the field.
1. How the Pirates Start This Time Around
If there was one glaring takeaway from Raleigh, it was how slow ECU came out of the gates. The first four drives ended in three-and-outs, and before the Pirates could blink, they were down 17-0. That simply can’t happen again. Against Campbell, the expectation is that ECU’s offense comes out firing and sets the tone right away. Whether it’s Katin Houser connecting on an early deep shot to Anthony Smith, or the running game finding rhythm with Marlon Gunn Jr. and London Montgomery, the Pirates need a fast start to calm nerves and build momentum. A quick lead would also allow the staff to control the flow of the game, keep the starters fresh, and start mixing in younger players. Games like this are all about building good habits — Saturday is the chance to show that the opening-drive struggles at NC State were just a one-time misstep.
2. Who Steps Up in the Backfield
ECU’s run game has been a question mark all offseason, and the opener only fueled those concerns. The Pirates managed just 30 yards on 29 carries against the Wolfpack, with no back able to break free for chunk gains. That won’t cut it in the American Conference, and Blake Harrell and offensive coordinator John David Baker know it. Saturday presents a big opportunity for someone to separate from the pack. Gunn is the veteran presence, Montgomery flashed explosiveness late last season, and Houston transfer Parker Jenkins brings an intriguing skill set. Campbell’s defensive front shouldn’t pose nearly the same challenge as NC State’s, so this is a game where ECU needs to establish dominance on the ground. If the Pirates still struggle to run effectively here, it will raise real red flags about how they’ll hold up against BYU, Army, and the rest of the AAC schedule. This is the week for the backfield to prove it can be a weapon.
3. Young Guys Getting Reps
While the focus will always be on winning the game, a matchup like this also gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate younger players and backups in real action. That could prove crucial down the road when injuries inevitably hit or depth is tested in conference play. At safety, redshirt sophomore Ayden Duncanson is a name to watch after getting just two defensive snaps in the opener. Freshman corner Derrion Horsley has the tools to become a future lockdown option and could see extended time. Special teams is another area where young players like punter Tomas O’Halloran can gain valuable game reps. And don’t forget about freshman wideout Johnny Williams, who is impressing on the scout team and might get a taste of live action in the slot if the Pirates build a lead. These are the kinds of games where the future gets its first real test, and ECU’s long-term growth depends on how well these players take advantage of their chances.
Bottom Line:
East Carolina should win this game comfortably, but it’s not just about the score. The Pirates need to start fast, show real progress in the running game, and get valuable snaps for their depth pieces. Do that, and ECU will leave Saturday not only with a win, but with momentum and confidence heading into a critical stretch of the season.