The Michigan Wolverines welcome the East Carolina Pirates to the Big House in the inaugural game of the 2023 campaign. The Pirates finished 8-5 last season and have seen an upward trajectory over the past few seasons under head coach Mike Houston.
A high amount of praise has to go their way for how they manage to play well in big games. The Pirates nearly knocked off No. 13 NC State at home in the first week of the season in 2022 and then upset a good BYU team in Provo last season.