An immediate, almighty array of challenges will characterize the 2011 East Carolina football team, as the Pirates play a slate that rivals the toughest of the remarkable era of scheduling by athletic director Terry Holland.

A team that has its sights set on an unprecedented sixth consecutive bowl game and which hopes to contend for a third Conference USA crown in four seasons must first face the teams ranked Nos. 12 and 13 in the preseason national polls, South Carolina and Virginia Tech.

From there come non-conference tilts with North Carolina and Navy as well as clashes with C-USA West contenders Houston and UTEP.

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