Pirates Ripped Apart: Key Players Flee Before Bowl

The East Carolina Pirates face a daunting challenge in the Military Bowl against Pitt, as their roster has been significantly depleted by player departures. Quarterback Katin Houser, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns, has entered the transfer portal. He is joined by key wide receivers Yannick Smith and Jayvontay Conner, who combined for over 900 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Further complicating matters for East Carolina, their leading rusher, London Montgomery (742 yards, 7 TDs), will skip the bowl game ahead of his departure from the program. The Pirates are also dealing with the absence of offensive coordinator John David Baker and defensive coordinator Josh Aldrich. This leaves uncertainty at quarterback with Mike Wright and Chaston Ditta expected to take snaps.

Pitt, on the other hand, enters the game with a largely intact squad, aiming for their third nine-win season in five years under coach Pat Narduzzi. The Panthers, who had aspirations for bigger bowls until late in the season, view this game as an opportunity to celebrate their team's final performance together. East Carolina, despite its significant losses, will feature 30 seniors playing their last college game.