ECU football picked last in AAC East poll

NEWPORT, R.I. – Entering its fifth season in the American Athletic Conference, ECU has been selected to finish sixth in the East Division of the AAC as voted on by members of the media.

The Pirates picked up a total of 41 points finishing just behind Connecticut (51). UCF, who received 19 of a possible 30 votes to win the league title, were listed on 25 ballots in the East Division race racking up 175 total points. USF (140) got five first place votes and was picked second followed by Temple (132) and Cincinnati (91).

Memphis was named the favorite in the West Division for the second-straight year as the Tigers claimed 23 of 30 first place votes for 171 points. Houston (146) garnered four first place votes and was picked second. Rounding out the West Division are Navy (129), SMU (72), Tulane (68) and Tulsa (44).

The fourth American Athletic Conference Football Championship will be played Saturday, Dec. 1, at the home site of the division champion with the best conference record.

Under the direction of third-year head coach Scottie Montgomery, ECU returns 12 of 22 positional starters (five offense, seven defense) and four on special teams. The Pirates also welcome back 40 lettermen from last year’s squad (17 offense, 19 defense, four specialists). A year ago, ECU turned in a 3-9 overall record and a 2-6 mark in The American finishing tied for fourth in the East Division.

ECU will open the 2018 season at home against N.C. A&T inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 1 with a 6 p.m. (ET) scheduled kickoff and will be televised on ESPN3. The Pirates first American game of the season is set for Saturday, Sept. 22 vs. USF in Tampa, Fla.

2018 AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE PRESEASON FOOTBALL MEDIA POLL

American Championship

Team (Points)

UCF (19)

Memphis (7)

USF (3)

Houston (1)

East Division

Team (1st Place Votes) – Points

1. UCF (25) – 175

2. USF (5) – 140

3. Temple – 132