While the focus was on East Carolina's deficiencies on offense during the 2023 season, the Pirates' defense quietly became one of the best units in the American Athletic Conference. ECU allowed 341.3 yards per game to rank second among AAC teams in total defense, was third in rushing defense (122.2), fourth in passing defense (219.2) and fourth in scoring defense (219.2). … [Read more...]
ABSOLUTE EMPOWERMENTJeff Connors with ECU coach Cliff Godwin
Watch this special “Absolute Empowerment” episode of the The Sports Objective‘s series of YouTube clips. East Carolina coach Cliff Godwin joins Strength and Conditioning Coaches Hall of Famer and former ECU strength coach Jeff Connors. Godwin opens up with Connors about the intersection of faith with various stages of his life and the role faith has played in his 10 years of … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EASTPirates preparing for spring football
Since a 2-10 season in 2023, East Carolina coach Mike Houston has focused forward with changes designed to improve areas where the Pirates struggled last year, specifically on offense. "It's good to have a little bit of cool weather here the last couple of days," Houston said at a news conference on Wednesday that addressed the state of the program. "The kids appreciated … [Read more...]
Offensive Class Report CardPirates load up talent at key positions
East Carolina produced the lowest amount of passing yards in 30 years during the 2023 season, and the fewest passing touchdowns in almost four decades. ALEX FLINN, MASON GARCIA and RAHEIM JETER combined for 1,967 passing yards, or 163.9 yards per game to rank 120th out of 130 Football Bowl Subdivision programs last season. Their combined seven touchdown throws tied for last … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EASTSigning day relegated to minimal fanfare
The first Wednesday in February, the traditional national signing day, came and went with minimal activity on the fax machine in the East Carolina football offices in the Ward Sports Medicine Building. The Pirates used to announce a class of high school seniors on the traditional signing day. There was even some tailgating in the environs of the Murphy Center. ECU coaches … [Read more...]