East Carolina vs. Florida: Birmingham Bowl Preview With TV Schedule

Birmingham Bowl Matchup: East Carolina Pirates (8-4) vs. Florida Gators (6-5)

TV Schedule: Saturday, Jan. 3, 12:00 p.m. ET, ESPN

Stadium: Legion Field

While the Florida Gators should be happy that they are even playing in a bowl game this year, the East Carolina Pirates will be looking to make a statement by beating an SEC team.

In case you forgot, the Pirates only lost by 10 points against the South Carolina Gamecocks way back in September. They followed that loss up by knocking off the Virginia Tech Hokies (ranked No. 17 at the time) and North Carolina Tar Heels in back-to-back games. With that said, East Carolina is very capable of pulling off the victory against the Gators.

Although Florida had yet another bad season, it has a chance to win a bowl game and recently hired former Colorado State coach Jim McElwain. So, there is plenty to be excited about in Gainesville. Of course, a loss in this game would be considered an upset.

Make no mistake about it: Florida does not have the best offense in the country, and could struggle to score in this ballgame. While the Gators are averaging 30.5 points per game, East Carolina has managed to put up 37.2 per game. With that in mind, Florida plays in the SEC.

Although East Carolina has what it takes to beat this Gators team, I am predicting Florida to come away with the win. It has been challenged more during the season, and even managed to beat the Georgia Bulldogs.

PREDICTION: East Carolina 21, Gators 28

…

Looking to watch the Pirates take on the Gators? Check out ScoreBig for tickets.