The Similarities Between Katin Houser and CJ Bailey

The opposing quarterbacks for ECU and NC State have more in common than you'd think.

Dec 28, 2024; Annapolis, MD, USA; East Carolina Pirates defensive lineman J.D. Lampley (9) sacks North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (16) during the first half of the Go Bowling Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

NC State and East Carolina are set to square off in the season opener at Carter-Finley Stadium this Thursday. The two teams have a deep history with one another. The last time both teams took the field was also the last time they faced each other in the 2024 Military Bowl, with ECU stealing a 26-21 win over the Wolfpack.

Both programs experienced some significant offseason changes. New personnel and new coordinators will dot the sidelines and the booths above the field for both teams. However, both ECU and NC State returned their young quarterbacks, with the Wolfpack bringing back CJ Bailey for his sophomore year and Katin House returning to the Pirates for his first full season as a starter.

While they play in two very different conferences and within different systems, the duo has more in common than you might think.

Dec 28, 2024; Annapolis, MD, USA; East Carolina Pirates quarterback Katin Houser (4) calls a play act the line during first half of the Go Bowling Military Bowl against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Similarities

NC State head coach Dave Doeren spoke to members of the media on Tuesday. He was asked about the ECU quarterback, particularly the difference between his regular-season performances and his performance in the bowl game.

"He’s a good football player. I have a lot of respect for him. He grew up as the year went on and got more confident," Doeren said of Houser. "Obviously, having the same offensive coordinator, having the same terminology, same offense, just like our quarterback, he’s going to feel more comfortable as a quarterback. We have to defend him as a passer and a runner.” 

Dec 28, 2024; Annapolis, MD, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren reacts after a play during the first half of the Go Bowling Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Pirates removed head coach Blake Harrell's interim tag after he led ECU to a 5-1 record as the coach. Knowing Houser would be back, he retained offensive coordinator John David Baker in an effort to keep the quarterback comfortable in the system.

While Doeren moved on from offensive coordinator Robert Anae, he did find his replacement in-house and very close to Bailey. Doeren promoted Kurt Roper from quarterback coach to offensive coordinator to assist in Bailey's development.

Nov 21, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (16) throws a pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Bailey and Houser were both thrown into the fire unexpectedly, but for slightly different reasons. At NC State, starting quarterback Grayson McCall suffered one head injury too many and ended his football career. Houser took over to try to spark a scuffling offense under an interim head coach.

Both quarterbacks showed great promise and will have another grudge match to prove who the better signal caller truly is.

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