Normally, a WVU game against East Carolina would be cause for pause.
Yet this 2017 Pirates team isn’t your father’s ECU.
True, East Carolina of the American Athletic Conference (which would have been WVU’s home had the Big 12 not rescued the Mountaineers) beat North Carolina State last season. The Pirates started off 2-0.
But then went 1-9.
ECU quarterback Zay Jones is gone along with most of the team’s receiving corps. If you search preseason all-AAC lists, about all you’ll find is wideout Jimmy Williams, 5-11, 194 pounds listed.
Otherwise, it’s barren. Most are calling for the Pirates to finish dead last in the AAC East Division, which also consists of South Florida, Central Florida, Temple, Cincinnati and Connecticut. (Bring back memories?)
Too, the worst news for East Carolina is it’s very weak against the run.
West Virginia is very strong at the run. Expect the Mountaineers’ Justin Crawford to have a very big day – as well as reserves like Kennedy McKoy (if he isn’t in the slot) and Martell Pettaway.
WVU wins this one going away.

WVU, 48-17.