East Carolina will enter the game seeking to become the first team to win back-to-back Conference USA Championship Games. Last year, the Pirates defense forced seven turnovers and Norman Whitley ran for 104 yards as ECU won its first conference football championship since 1976.
Houston will be looking for its second Conference USA Football Championship in four years. In 2006, quarterback Kevin Kolb led the Cougars to a 34-20 win over Southern Miss in the title game.
The Pirates again possess one of the top defenses in C-USA, allowing 371.3 yards per game and 21.2 points per game. Seniors C.J. Wilson (53 tackles, 5.5 sacks) and Linval Joseph (54 tackles, 12.5 TFL's) lead the charge up front, while junior S Van Eskridge (83 tackles, 4 INTs) anchors the secondary.
This year's Cougar attack is ranked number one in the nation in total offense. Junior QB Case Keenum has thrown for 4,922 yards and 38 touchdowns with just six interceptions. Among his many targets are three receivers that are having outstanding seasons. Junior WR James Cleveland has enjoyed a tremendous first season at UH, catching 82 passes for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is joined by a pair of outstanding sophomores in Tyron Carrier (75 receptions, 904 yards, six touchdowns) and Patrick Edwards (74 receptions, 949 yards and five touchdowns).
The teams did not meet this season. Last year, Houston defeated then-No. 23 East Carolina in Greenville, 41-24. At the time, that win by the Cougars marked the first road victory by UH over a ranked team since 1984. Keenum was 37-of-45 for 401 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
East Carolina leads the all-time series 5-4, but is just 1-3 in games played in Greenville.
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