E CAR-TEMP
Time: NOON ET
Spread: EC -7.5
Total: 59
Betting odds courtesy of Bookmaker
The No. 23 ranked East Carolina Pirates are 6-1 on the season and a perfect 3-0 in AAC play. This week, EC will travel to Temple to face a 4-3 Owls squad that is a 7.5 point underdog to the Pirates.
EC has had a superb pass attack this year that has been responsible for the team’s success early on. The Pirates average 381.9 yards per game, and the rush offense isn’t bad either, ranking 50th in the nation. The offensive power of the Pirates is shown in ranking 14th in the NCAA with 39.6 points per game. Defensively, the Pirates have more than held their own, as well, surrendering 23.4 points to opponents.
Since the loss to then- No. 21 South Carolina, the Pirates have reeled off five straight victories, including a 28-21 win against then- No. 17 Virginia Tech. Shane Carden has been the force at QB. He’s thrown for over 2,500 yards already at a 64.6 percent clip. He has 18 TDs to just five INTs on the year, helping to account for his high rating of 148.6. Additionally, Carden has rushed for 105 yards and three TDs.
Carden’s top receiving targets are Justin Hardy, Isaiah Jones and Cam Worthy, all of whom have about 500 yards or better. Hardy has 61 catches with a 12.8 yard average per reception. He’s scored a team-high six reception TDs, and Jones has accounted for four, as well. Little used Trevon Brown has just 14 receptions, but four have been TDs.
In the backfield, Breon Allen keeps the attack going. He has 569 yards on 75 carries, and he leads the team with six rushing TDs. Secondary back Chris Hairston has 206 yards and two TDs as well. The Pirates balance is demonstrated in the fact that the team has 17 rushing TDs and 19 receiving. This is a team that can hurt opponents in multiple ways.
Temple is holding steady, but it isn’t due to an overwhelming offense. The Owls average 343.8 yards per game and 30.7 points, but the defense has been what has made Temple a formidable threat and a reasonable underdog bet for bettors feeling good about the 19.6 points per game Temple allows. The Owls are hoping to get back on track after losing two straight to Houston and UCF, and this is a tough opponent to do it against.
