East Carolina has been known to garner success and their reputation as spoiler may be on the line when they face the Florida Gators. But the question on whether their success at the ACC could be done at the SEC will be known this coming Sunday when the two teams clash at 12:00 p.m. ET at the Legion Field in Birmingham, AL.
While East Carolina is a 28-21 favorite over Florida, it seems that many are expecting another victim to fall. However all that could be easier said than done considering that they will try to live up to their billing sans two defensive starters who were ruled ineligible.
The players ruled ineligible were upperclassmen, Williams and Lennon, two of the team's most productive defenders this season.
"While we are disappointed for Terry and Domonique, we expect everyone to succeed with the support system we have in place for our program," coach Ruffin McNeill said. "We talk about being responsible on and off the field as one of our core values, and when certain expectations are not met, no individual is above being held accountable."
In a match that many consider as a sleeper, two teams have not necessarily had stellar seasons.
The Pirates fortunes included back-to-back losses to Temple and Cincinnati in November and practically doused water on what many believed would have been a hands-down spot for a major bowl spot.
For the Gators, the team is currently in transition. Interim coach D.J. Durkin will be leading the Gators at the Birmingham bowl while new coach Jim McElwain looks to fill his staff for 2015.
Both that doesn't mean that this matchup should not be watched. The Pirates have a reputation to behold while the Gators are not expected to take it lightly as well. Surprises could be in store for this one.
The two teams get it on at 12:00 noon ET this January 3. ESPN will be providing the TV coverage. It can also be watched online here.
