East Carolina went 3-6 last year, but the Pirates finished 2020 with back-to-back victories by an average of 19.5 points, and the return of 20 starters has made the Pirates a trendy sleeper pick in The American this season
QB Holton Ahlers is a veteran who threw for 1,921 yards and 18 touchdowns in eight games last season. He is joined on offense by RB Rahjai Harris - who shared American Rookie of the Year honors after he rushed for 624 yards and four touchdowns - and WR Tyler Snead, who led the squad with 53 receptions to go with 524 yards and five touchdowns.