After dominating Central Florida last week, 44-7, the East Carolina football team (5-6, 3-4 American Athletic Conference) will have a chance to lock up bowl eligibility against conference foe Cincinnati (6-5, 3-4 AAC).

For the 18 seniors on the Pirates’ roster, it will be the final game in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium and emotions will be high headed into Saturday.

“It’s really emotional. Each day in the huddle when I talk to them, I have to make sure my eyeballs don’t sweat,” said head coach Ruffin McNeill. “Those guys sacrifice so much. They’ve done everything I’ve asked. You see some kids that have matured. It’s tough, it’s emotional, but I am their dad.”

The seniors still have a lot to play for, as a 6-6 record will put the Pirates in a position to play in a bowl game. However, a loss may not totally eliminate ECU’s chances – as there may not be enough bowl-eligible teams to fill all games.

The Bearcats, who are already guaranteed a bowl appearance, are coming off of a difficult 65-27 loss to South Florida that accentuated defensive issues with the team that have been prevalent all season. McNeill said that despite head coach Tommy Tubberville’s team’s deflating loss, it is more of a reflection on USF’s talent.

“I think that tells you how good South Florida is,” McNeill said. “They got some breaks early and got momentum. They’re playing well.”

The Bearcat defense has surrendered over 31 points per game this season and has equally struggled against the run and the pass. They are averaging over 200 yards allowed over both the air and on the ground this season and have held teams under 23 points just three times this season.

Blake Kemp’s performance will be key. He made his first appearance in two games last Thursday with a nearly record-setting performance against UCF. Kemp threw for four touchdowns on 34-of-50 passes and 448 yards. Kemp’s performance has likely locked him in as the starter to finish the season. Backup quarterback James Summers has failed to win a game in any of his starts.

“That’s Blake and that’s how he’s been in-tune,” McNeill said. “It was good to see after not getting in games, but he still shared reps. He did a great job with execution. You saw the sideline and I think you saw how James was proud of him, too. That’s unique.”

Cincinnati will turn to one of the conference’s top quarterbacks in Gunner Kiel. Kiel suffered a head injury early in the season and handed the reigns of the offense to freshman Hayden Moore.

Moore performed well in his eight appearances and made the Bearcats one of the top offenses in the conference. Kiel will play in his 10th game of the season Saturday with 2,507 yards and 18 touchdown passes under his belt.

McNeill said despite the play of the quarterback, the receiving core is a bigger threat. The Bearcats’ top three receivers — Shaq Washington, Max Morrison and Chris Moore — have dominated opposing defensive backs. The trio has combined for 151 receptions, 2,150 yards and 15 touchdowns.

“We see it as a great opportunity to get our sixth win and become bowl eligible,” McNeill said in Monday’s press conference. “We’re looking forward to a great crowd and great fans to support our seniors and team. I’m looking forward to the preparation.”

The post-Thanksgiving clash will kickoff at noon in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.