Week 5 College Football In-State Rivalry: East Carolina Pirates at North Carolina Tar Heels

East Carolina-North Carolina
Time: 12:30 PM ET, Sept 28
Spread: NC -12.5
M/L: NC -465; EC +370
O/U: 61

Odds courtesy of 5dimes

North Carolina opened ACC week last week against Georgia Tech and fell 28-20. The Tar Heels led 20-7 in the first half, but East Carolina held UNC scoreless over the duration of the game from that point, while amassing 428 yards on the UNC defense. Brad Renner threw 14-of-29 for 218 yards with two TDs and one interception, and the backfield was moderately productive with 101 yards on 21 carries (4 by Renner).

This game against East Carolina will be good for the Tar Heels before facing two back-to-back tough ones against Virginia Tech and No. 15 Miami (FL). The ACC schedule is tough and UNC is looking to hold their own this season with a strong offense. College football oddsmakers predict a lot of scoring in this one, setting the total at 61, with UNC also being 12.5 point favorites.

East Carolina stayed tough with Virginia Tech last week, losing 15-10 to the Hokies at home. Shane Carden is an excellent QB for the Pirates, and has already thrown for 796 yards with a 74.5 percent completion ratio. He’s bolstered by a dual-threat back in Vintavious Cooper, who has caught for 115 yards and rushed for another 161. The Pirates are a tough team to predict offensively, and at 2-1 the team has nice momentum this season. Carden’s top target is Justin Hardy, who has 26 receptions for 258 yards.

0-5 ATS in last 5 after allowing less than 100 rushing yards; UNDER 4-0 in last 4 vs ACC; UNDER 5-0 in last 5 in Sept.

UNDER 4-0 in last 4 vs C-USA; 6-0 ATS in last 6 vs C-USA; 5-0 ATS in last 5 after allowing more than 200 rushing yards previous game.

Head-To-Head: Pirates 0-6 ATS in last 6; Favorite 4-0 ATS in last 4 mtgs; UNDER 5-2 in last 7.

Check out Maddux Sports’ seasons picks for the 2013 College football season!

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