East Carolina vs Florida: 5 Things To Know For Birmingham Bowl

By Tyler Brett

East Carolina vs Florida: 5 Things To Know For Birmingham Bowl

dante fowler — The Birmingham Bowl will take place on January 3 in Birmingham, Alabama, pitting the East Carolina Pirates (8-4) of the AAC against the Florida Gators (6-5) of the SEC. While this isn’t the January bowl game either team was hoping to be in when the season started back in August, it should be an exciting contest that pits the teams’ best strengths against each other. Here are five things you need to know before you tune in.

5. Florida Can Play Some Defense

Florida defense

5. Florida Can Play Some Defense

Florida defense — While the Gators finished the season just 6-5, their defense still ranked among the best in the country. They ranked No. 9 in total defense this season as their sheer athleticism on the defensive side of the ball makes for tough sledding on opposing offenses. When dialed in, this group can absolutely dominate a game.

4. East Carolina's Offense Is Legit

justin hardy

4. East Carolina's Offense Is Legit

justin hardy — Countering Florida’s stingy D will be ECU’s explosive offense. The Pirates ranked No. 5 in total offense this season thanks to the exploits of the No. 2 passer in the country Shane Carden and his number one target Justin Hardy. Carden slung for over 4,300 yards this season while Hardy finished fifth in the nation in receiving while setting the NCAA record for career receptions. This dynamic duo can create fits for any defense, even Florida's.

3. Shane Carden Won't Be Intimidated By SEC Defense

shane carden

3. Shane Carden Won't Be Intimidated By SEC Defense

shane carden — Carden’s numbers are gaudy and he didn’t just come by them playing against cupcakes. ECU played three games against Power 5 conference teams this season, winning two and letting one slip away late against the South Carolina Gamecocks. In those three games, Carden threw for 1,186 yards and eight touchdowns so don’t expect him to be scared of the Gators’ defense in this one.

2. Treon Harris Is Auditioning for 2015

treon harris

2. Treon Harris Is Auditioning for 2015

treon harris — The freshman quarterback won the job away from Jeff Driskel down the stretch in 2014 but that doesn’t mean he’s secure in his role for next season. Harris struggled at times down the stretch, completing less than 50 percent of his passes in the final three games of the season, but has a definite playmaking edge to his game. Expect him to try and put that on film for his new coach, Jim McElwain.

1. Florida Might Not Be That Into The Birmingham Bowl

caleb brantley

1. Florida Might Not Be That Into The Birmingham Bowl

caleb brantley — After learning of their bowl selection, Florida defensive tackle Caleb Brantley eloquently called the Birmingham Bowl the “Booty Bowl” on Twitter, showing a decided lack of enthusiasm about the invitation. If Brantley’s teammates share his sentiment, they might not bring their A-game in this one and could be ripe for an upset against a hungry East Carolina squad.

Teams in this article »

Florida Gators

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East Carolina Pirates

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