Mitch Griffis to Start for East Carolina Against Alabama
East Carolina announced that Mitch Griffis will be the starting quarterback for the Pirates' Week 1 contest against the Alabama Crimson Tide. The decision comes as the team looks to blend fresh talent with the experience of a player who has already logged extensive collegiate snaps.
Griffis arrives in Greenville after a stint at Texas Tech, where he served as the backup before earning the starting role. His career numbers include 61.2% completion rate, 2,314 passing yards and a 17:8 touchdown‑interception ratio across 30 games. Last season he completed 26 of 36 passes for 357 yards and two scores in seven appearances.
A New Chapter for the Pirates
Alongside Griffis, Emory Williams, a former Miami backup, will also be on the roster for the Alabama game. Williams brings a different skill set and adds depth to a quarterback room that is still shaping its identity heading into the new season.
The matchup is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, at 11 a.m. CT and will be televised on ABC, giving the Pirates a national platform to showcase their new offensive direction. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the transfer duo performs against a defense that has been a staple of Alabama's recent success.
With the season opener fast approaching, East Carolina's coaching staff remains confident that Griffis's experience and Williams's versatility will give the team a competitive edge. The game represents a pivotal moment for the program as it seeks to build momentum early in the campaign.