When two teams from the state of North Carolina meet on the gridiron, we’re usually in for a treat.
East Carolina and NC State delivered two instant classics in the past two years. North Carolina and Appalachian State gave us three barnburners since 2019, including the memorable 63-61 opener in 2022. Four-straight Duke vs. North Carolina games have been decided by one score. And so forth.
This Saturday in Greenville, NC, another in-state series takes the stage. Appalachian State is 3-0 against East
Carolina since joining the FBS, upending the Pirates in 2021, 2023, and 2024. But ECU has been the better team since promoting Blake Harrell to head coach, and he enters this matchup with a 14-6 record, faring 7-2 at home.
Here’s what to watch for when Pirates and Mountaineers clash at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Saturday’s early slate:
How much does App State run Singleton?
Appalachian State landed former Arkansas and Purdue backup quarterback Malachi Singleton this offseason. In Week 1, the Mountaineers provided his first starting opportunity, and he passed the test with flying colors. Singleton generated more touchdown passes than incompletions in a 22-of-24, 291-yard, 3-touchdown showing. It was a promising sight to Mountaineer fans that Singleton can sling the rock, but does his mobility show up in this matchup?
In his brief action at Arkansas and Purdue, Singleton proved his running ability, producing 273 yards and four touchdowns, rattling off several breakaway runs. Containing quarterback mobility was East Carolina’s greatest weakness in Week 1. Alabama’s Keelon Russell rushed for a team-high 86 yards (while no running back posted more than 47) and regularly dodged sacks, extended plays, and made ECU’s defense pay. Singleton looks to exploit this Achilles heel of an otherwise capable defensive front.
Does Griffis fully claim the starting QB job?
East Carolina held a two-man quarterback competition in fall camp between the well-traveled Mitch Griffis, who was best known as Wake Forest’s 2023 starter, and Emory Williams, who started two games at Miami (FL) three years ago. Neither quarterback had started a game since 2023, but Griffis won the job and took the majority of reps in Week 1’s 48-10 loss to Alabama. Griffis finished 10-of-16 with 137 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He established a good rapport with Wake Forest transfer Jeremiah Melvin, who used his 6’4” frame to elevate over defenders in a 4-catch, 60-yard performance.
App State’s defense won’t pose as great of a threat as Alabama’s, and the Mountaineers ranked 130th in pass defense last year, surrendering 268 yards per game through the air. Can Griffis, who turned 25 this week, exploit this and cement his role as QB1? Or does ECU’s offense remain shaky and give Williams more opportunity in Week 2?
Zyeir Gamble revenge game
East Carolina lost its best player to the portal this offseason in Ja’Marley Riddle. The first team all-conference safety signed with Georgia, and the Pirates looked to the portal for a viable replacement. They landed on App State’s Zyeir Gamble, who finished second on the 2025 Mountaineers in tackles (76), interceptions (2), and forced fumbles (2).
The free safety earned the start last week and posted four tackles in his Pirate debut. App State is a very transfer laden offense, but Gamble will still have to tackle several former teammates this Saturday, including running backs Jaquari Lewis and Kanye Roberts, wide receiver Alexander Sanchez, and tight end Dillon Galloway. The Mountaineers have a new offensive coordinator in Mike Anthony, but can Gamble’s experience under Dowell Loggains help him stay a step ahead Saturday? Keep an eye on No. 3 in purple when App State has the ball.
Appalachian State vs. East Carolina kicks off Saturday, Sept. 12 from Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville at 12 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
