American Athletic Conference Football Championship Showdown: East Carolina Pirates vs. Tulane Green Wave
On March 03, 2025, the stage is set for an electrifying clash in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Football Championship Game, pitting the East Carolina Pirates against the Tulane Green Wave. Both teams enter the contest with identical 11-1 records, showcasing their dominance throughout the season. With explosive offenses, stout defenses, and standout performers on both sides, this matchup promises to be a thrilling battle for AAC supremacy.
The Teams: A Statistical Mirror Image
The Pirates and Green Wave have been juggernauts in the AAC this year, their statistical profiles nearly identical. East Carolina’s high-powered offense averages 36.4 points per game, while Tulane isn’t far behind at 31.8 points per contest. Defensively, both squads have been stingy, with Tulane allowing just 18 points per game and ECU surrendering a mere 19.3. This near-parity sets the stage for a game that could hinge on execution, individual brilliance, or a single critical play.
East Carolina Pirates: Offensive Firepower and Defensive Grit.
The Pirates’ offense has been a force to reckon with, led by the dynamic duo of quarterback Jake Garcia and running back Rahjai Harris. Garcia, a maestro in the pocket, has torched defenses for 3,411 passing yards and 36 touchdowns this season, establishing himself as one of the premier signal-callers in college football. His favorite target? A rushing attack spearheaded by Harris, who has bulldozed his way to 1,423 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. Together, they form a balanced attack that keeps opposing defenses guessing.
On the other side of the ball, linebacker Mike Edwards anchors the Pirate defense. With right around 100 tackles on the season, Edwards has been a tackling machine, clogging running lanes and disrupting passing plays. His leadership has been instrumental in holding opponents to under 20 points per game, a testament to the unit’s discipline and tenacity.
Tulane Green Wave: Balanced Offense Meets Defensive Resolve
Tulane counters with an equally potent offense, driven by quarterback Darian Mensah and running back Makahi Hughes. Mensa has been a steady hand under center, racking up 2,220 passing yards and 20 touchdowns with a mix of poise and precision. Meanwhile, Hughes has been a workhorse in the backfield, amassing over 1,200 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. This one-two punch gives the Green Wave a versatile attack capable of exploiting any defensive weakness.
Defensively, Tulane leans on linebacker Jesus Machado, the heart and soul of the unit. With 74 tackles, Machado has been a disruptive force, whether stuffing the run or dropping into coverage. His playmaking ability has helped the Green Wave limit opponents to just 18 points per game, setting up a classic strength-on-strength matchup against ECU’s offense.
The game’s outcome could come down to a few critical battles. Can Tulane’s defense, led by Machado, slow down ECU’s Garcia-to-Harris connection? Garcia’s ability to extend plays and Harris’s bruising running style will test the Green Wave’s front seven. Conversely, Tulane’s Mensah will face a stern challenge from Edwards and the Pirate secondary, which has been adept at keeping opposing offenses in check.
Special teams and turnovers could also prove decisive. With both teams so evenly matched, a big return or a forced fumble might tip the scales in this tightly contested affair.
Here are the coaches thoughts…
First up Coach Sammy:
What was key moment of the season for you and Tulane this season?
The final minute of first half against Maryland. Coming off a loss to Duke, we had just went down 10. Not only were we able to get a quick strike for a TD, it’s followed by a pick-6 right after. We ended up scoring 21 in a row and gained back some momentum and confidence that helped us the rest of the season.
What’s your key check list items for success going into the game vs ECU?
Getting pressure up front. Blitzing or not, we’ll have to find ways to slow down the ECU offense. Everything starts in the trenches. We have to find ways to force turnovers and/or get them behind schedule.
Whats best thing you’ve noticed about Pirates success this season?
Their efficiency on third down. I certainly can point to the fact they have four receivers with over 500 yards and a QB with a crazy TD-INT ratio. I mean, as a whole, the offense has put up 5,000 yards! The third downs still stand out to me. They are top 20 offensively and top 10 defensively. We can’t let them dictate terms in that area. If they do, we are going to lose.
Best thing about Green Waves success this season?
Everyone chipping in. Defensively it was the secondary early. Lately it has been the d-line. Early it was the passing game outside on offense. Lately it has been Hughes and the tight ends. It just seems like if you give me a name, I can point to a big moment they’ve had during the season.
Coach Patty:
What was key moment of the season for you and the pirates this season?
Key moment of the season is when we inserted Jake Garcia as our full time quarterback and let some of the younger guys with serious speed start on defense after that Indiana loss. Haven’t looked back since.
What’s your key check list items for success going into the game vs Tulane?
Seems simple but no turnovers and solid tackling will give us a great chance to compete.
Whats best thing you’ve noticed about Tulane success this season?
He takes care of the ball it looks like from his stats and is balanced. I actually have not watched one of his games, he has tended to play when I’m not home so i have not seen a Tulane game this season which is a huge concern for me
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