East Carolina football is becoming a Thursday night TV staple this season. The Pirates will play for the third time in a Thursday time slot, traveling to conference rival Tulane tonight for an American Conference showdown with plenty at stake.
The Pirates will bring a 3-2 overall record and 1-0 conference mark into the contest, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. Tulane counters with a 4-1 record, also 1-0 in the American.
Vitals: East Carolina at Tulane How to Watch
🏈 Matchup: East Carolina (3-2, 1-0 AAC) at Tulane (4-1, 1-0 AAC)
🏟️ Stadium: Yulman Stadium | New Orleans, LA
⏰ Kickoff: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. ET
📺 TV/Streaming: ESPN
🧾 Latest Line: Tulane -6.5 | O/U: 53.5 (DraftKings, 10/8/25)
📅 Last Meeting: Tulane 13, East Carolina 10 (Nov. 4, 2023)
pic.twitter.com/RGdNM87JC1 — ECU Football (@ECUPiratesFB) October 7, 2025
East Carolina Preview: Defense Travels
The Pirates return from a bye week rested and confident after a 28-6 win over defending American champ Army two Thursdays ago. That victory was powered by a fast start, disciplined defense against Army’s option offense and a fake field goal play that sealed the deal in the fourth quarter.
Head coach Blake Harrell has ECU off to a 3-2 start and riding one of the nation’s stingiest defenses — allowing just 13.4 points per game, tops in the AAC and among the top 10 nationally. The Pirates also lead the league in total defense (304.2 ypg) and have forced nine turnovers.
Offensively, Michigan State transfer Katin Houser continues to shine, completing 68.3% of his passes for 1,509 yards (8th in FBS) with seven touchdowns. Three of his targets — Anthony Smith, Yannick Smith, and Brock Spalding — all rank in the top nine in the American in receiving yards, giving ECU one of the most balanced air attacks in the league.
Tulane Preview: Green Wave Riding the Option
Tulane, led by head coach Jon Sumrall, has its eyes on a fourth straight American Championship Game appearance and is angling for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Quarterback Jake Retzlaff fuels a balanced option-style offense, leading the Green Wave in both rushing (368 yards, 7 TDs) and passing (164.0 ypg, 2 TDs, 0 INTs). Tulane averages 205.8 rushing yards per game, fifth in the conference, though its defense has been vulnerable at times, allowing 399.0 yards per game.
The Green Wave defense is opportunistic — Javion White (3 INTs) and Jaheim Johnson (2 INTs) headline a stopping unit that has produced 11 takeaways, while kicker Patrick Durkin has been perfect on nine field goal attempts (long of 50).
Matchup History
East Carolina leads the all-time series 12-8, but Tulane has won five of seven since both programs joined the American a decade ago. The Green Wave edged ECU 13-10 in their last meeting in 2023.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Katin Houser vs Tulane Secondary – ECU’s passing game has been lethal at times, but Tulane’s ball-hawking defense could turn the tide.
- Jake Retzlaff’s Option Runs – ECU’s front seven must contain Retzlaff and force long-yardage situations like it did against Army.
- Turnovers – Both defenses thrive on takeaways; whichever side protects the ball better likely wins.
- Special Teams Edge – ECU’s return game and Tulane’s perfect kicker could swing field position battles.
Prediction
Tulane has been nearly unbeatable at home and remains the more seasoned team in close games. But ECU’s defense and passing game give the Pirates a real shot to pull an upset if they win the turnover margin. There is not much room for error, though
Our Pick: Tulane 28, East Carolina 23.
