The Pirates are led by junior receiver C.J Johnson who has arguably became Ahlers top target on offense as the junior wide receiver has recorded 44 receptions tallying 702 yards and seven touchdowns. Johnson averages nearly 16 yards per catch, which shows the trust he has with quarterback Ahlers and that will be someone the Bearcats defense will have to keep an eye on Friday night when they welcome in the Pirates for Nipp at Night as he can beat you in many ways and will be someone the Pirates look to get involved early along with guys like Keaton Mitchell. Johnson has tallied roughly 2,535 yards in his career for the Pirates and totaled 18 touchdowns and is a huge threat for the Pirates offensively.
The Pirates defense is led by the graduate student defensive lineman Shaundre Mims, who really anchors the Pirates defensive line as he leads the team in tackles for loss (6.5) and sacks (4) and is a huge part in stopping the run for the Pirates which is something they are very good at. Pirates safety Julius Wood also leads the team in forced fumbles (3) and will be a huge role for the Pirates on defense as he leads the team with 54 tackles and two interceptions. Safety Gerard Stringer is also another name to keep an eye on as the senior has recorded 49 tackles, one interception and three quarterback hurries for the Pirates as the safety duo of Wood and Stringer is something that has gave a lot of team’s troubles this season.
The Bearcats know the test at hand come Friday night as the race for the American Athletic Conference Championship is still up for grabs between schools like ECU, UCF, Tulane and themselves. The Bearcats know that ECU brings some firepower to Nippert Stadium as they will look to make a huge splash in the win column as the Pirates are coming off a huge 34-13 victory over UCF and have won three straight heading into this contest. The Bearcats know they have to come out and be balanced to keep the Pirates on their toes and it all starts in the run game whether it is guys like Charles McClelland, Ryan Montgomery or Corey Kiner, they know they have to establish the run to really open the field for Ben Bryant and guys like Jadon Thompson, Nick Mardner, Tre Tucker and Tyler Scott on the outside.
The Bearcats defense will be the main factor here and as I mentioned above the key player to watch is Keaton Mitchell, as he can be a difference maker in the run and pass game and is overall a very dynamic athlete and can make you pay in the open field. Look for guys like Jabari Taylor, Jowon Briggs and Dontay Corleone to really be the difference makers on defense alongside linebacker Ivan Pace which we have all seen Pace ball out this year and impact the games in many ways, but I expect the Bearcats defensive line have a very successful day versus the Pirates.
Kickoff is slated for 8 pm on ESPN2 so fans make sure you arrive to Nippert Stadium early for the Bearcats annual Nipp at Night game as they look to bounce back in the win column versus a very tough and talented ECU team.
