Navy meets East Carolina on Saturday in Annapolis. GoMids.com's Jim Lawler compares the two teams in several critical areas. He also makes a prediction on the game's final score.
Navy opens its new era as a member of the American Athletic Conference when it takes on East Carolina Pirates in its first league game. ECU had an overhaul on offense this year. They had to replace quarterback Shane Carden who graduated and wide receiver Justin Hardy who was drafted by the NFL. The Pirate (1-1, 2015; 9-4, 2014) defense was ranked eleventh nationally in rushing defense last year but the Mids have always had great success running the ball against the East Carolina.