OCTAVIO JONES | Times
East Carolina
Coach: Ruffin McNeill (sixth season at East Carolina, 37-27; sixth full season overall, 38-27)
2014 record: 8-5 (5-3 in AAC; lost to Florida in Birmingham Bowl)
Starters returning/lost: 18/18 (includings specialists). The Pirates must replace their top rusher (Breon Allen), passer (Shane Carden) and receiver (Justin Hardy).
Schedule's toughest stretch: The Pirates' replenished lineup will get no grace period. The season opener against Towson is followed by trips to Florida (Sept. 12) and Navy (Sept. 19) and a home game against Virginia Tech (Sept.