East Carolina football is looking to make significant changes ahead of their important game against Temple. Following the dismissal of head coach Mike Houston on October 20, the team is also shifting its offensive strategy. After a disappointing performance against Army, the Pirates will start redshirt sophomore Katin Houser at quarterback in Week 9, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
With interim head coach Blake Harrell at the helm, there’s a renewed sense of energy and optimism as the team aims to take control of their game outcomes. The Pirates are in urgent need of a win to demonstrate they are a stronger team than the 2-5 Temple this Saturday.
Houser will have the opportunity to secure the starting position for the rest of the season, and the Pirates hope to gain momentum with an easier upcoming schedule against FAU and Tulsa.
Katin Houser will start for East Carolina football in Week 9
Houser has played in three games for East Carolina this season, completing 38 of 69 passes for 416 yards, along with three touchdowns and two interceptions. After a solid performance against Army in Week 8, the remaining coaching staff felt encouraged to give him a chance in a more favorable situation.
Senior quarterback Jake Garcia started the 2024-25 season as the team’s first choice, leading the Pirates to a 2-0 record. However, he has since gone 1-3 in his last four games. While Harrell could opt to return to the more experienced Garcia, giving Houser a chance to grow amid the team’s challenges seems like the best decision.
With Temple possessing one of the weakest pass defenses in the nation, Houser’s chance to secure the starting job for the rest of the season will truly be in his hands.
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