BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — East Carolina will look to extend a three-game winning streak on Thursday night at UAB, facing a familiar Conference USA-era rival at Protective Stadium.
Both East Carolina (3-2, 1-0) and UAB (3-3, 1-1) carry solid defenses that rank at the top of the American Conference in yards allowed. The Pirates and Blazers will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Birmingham.
ECU has won seven in a row over UAB, though the teams have not played since 2013. Spread: East Carolina -4.5 with an Over/Under Total: 47.5 points for Thursdays national window.
The Pirates responded from early losses to Alabama and Appalachian State with three straight wins, including last Saturdays 28-12 homecoming triumph over Rice, listed on the schedule as vs Rice W, 28-12, in the American opener. Memphis awaits next week on Oct. 22 for another Thursday road game.
Miami transfer Emory Williams has started recent games at quarterback, throwing for 341 yards and three scores against North Carolina Central and completing 19-of-31 for 143 yards and two scores against Rice. TJ Engleman Jr. has scored four touchdowns in the past two games.
UAB allows just 316.8 total yards per game and leads FBS in passing defense metrics cited for the Blazers, while ECU surrenders 319.6 yards per game. Points could be at a premium as both offenses sit near the bottom of the league in yards and scoring. A win would keep East Carolina alone atop early American Conference pace before the Memphis trip and a late-season home stretch later this fall season.
