The 2-1 East Carolina Pirates will head to Lynchburg, Virginia, for their first-ever matchup against the 3-0 Liberty Flames at Arthur L. Williams Stadium. The game is set for 5 P.M. on Saturday, with the Pirates entering as 6.5-point underdogs. The over/under for the game is set at 54 points.
The East Carolina Pirates are coming off a tough 19-21 loss to the Appalachian State Mountaineers. Despite forcing three turnovers, the Pirates struggled defensively, allowing 505 total yards, including a staggering 424 passing yards. Appalachian State quarterback Joey Aguilar completed 32 of 47 pass attempts for 424 yards, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Pirates’ defense will need to tighten up, especially in the passing game, as they prepare for their matchup against Liberty.
Through their first three games, the East Carolina Pirates rank 88th out of 134 FBS teams in passing yards allowed per game, giving up an average of 229.0. However, they rank much higher in interceptions, sitting at 31st with 1.3 picks per game. Much of the credit for their solid pass defense goes to their standout defensive back, who has played a key role in creating turnovers and limiting opposing offenses.
The East Carolina Pirates cornerback is having a great start to the season
Shavon Revel Jr. is coming off a standout 2023 season, where he recorded 54 tackles, one interception, and 13 pass deflections, earning a spot on the All-AAC Second Team. Despite receiving lucrative six-figure NIL offers to transfer, Revel chose to remain with East Carolina, demonstrating his loyalty and commitment to the program. His presence continues to be a key factor in the Pirates’ pass defense.
Shavon Revel Jr. entered the 2024 season as one of the premier cornerbacks in college football. Mel Kiper Jr. has ranked him as the second-best cornerback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, just behind Michigan’s Will Johnson. An NFL scout even compared him to Quinyon Mitchell, who was the first cornerback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft after playing for the Toledo Rockets in the MAC conference.
Shavon Revel Jr. had an outstanding start to the 2024 season, recording eight tackles, two interceptions (including a 50-yard pick-six), and two pass deflections in just three games. He allowed only eight receptions on 21 targets for 195 yards and one touchdown, earning an impressive 87.0 coverage grade, an 84.7 overall PFF grade, and a 48.8 passer rating in coverage, per PFF. Unfortunately, his college career has come to an abrupt end.
The East Carolina Pirates will not have their elite cornerback for the rest of the season
Shavon Revel Jr. suffered a left knee injury during Wednesday’s practice, which has been described as a freak accident. After undergoing tests and an MRI, it was confirmed that he suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. This is a significant setback for the East Carolina Pirates’ pass defense, as Revel was one of their standout players.
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