The East Carolina Pirates are 1-1 and have compiled some nice stats through its first two games. EC ranks 46th in scoring (37.5 points per game) while holding opponents to just 20 a game, good for a 17.5 points differential. The pass game has been superb, with the Pirates amassing 347 yards a game, good for 16th in the nation.
East Carolina-Virginia Tech
Line: VAT -10
Betting line courtesy of Bovada
Last week, however, the Pirates were soundly defeated by South Carolina, following a 52-7 drubbing of North Carolina Central. In the South Carolina contest, the Pirates actually racked up 12 more yards than the Gamecocks, including 321 yards on 32-of-46 passing by QB Shane Carden.
Runningbacks Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds contributed 132 yards, while Hairston scored a TD. The Pirates will have to be more effective in the red zone to defeat tougher opponents. Moreover, the time of possession is somewhat concerning, with the Pirates only controlling the ball for 23:41 in the SC matchup.
The Pirates square off against a hot Virginia Tech team, which has won its first two ACC games and are 2-0. The Hokies dispatched lowly William & Mary, but Week 2 saw the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the result was solid.
VT won the contest 35-21, defeating an 8th ranked opponent at the time. The Hokies D was solid, though OSU did amass more yards in the game (327 to 324). Penalties hurt, as the Hokies committed 10 for a loss of 107 total yards. QB Michael Brewer failed to impress, throwing for 23-for-36 and he had two interceptions to match his two TDs.
Deon Newsome and Marshawn Williams accounted for just one TD in the backfield, and Williams averaged just 1.7 yards on 20 carries (accounting for the only TD). Barrett rushed for an additional TD and No. 3 back Ezekiel Elliot scored a TD, his third of the young season. Williams’ knee is ailing and is a huge contributing factor to why he’s been limited to 2.5 yards per carry.
Trends:
East Car: 6-0 ATS in last 6 games after accumulating more than 280 passing yards in previous game; 8-0 ATS in last 8 on grass; 10-1 ATS in last 11 following a SU loss.
Va Tech: OVER 5-1 in last 6 overall; 3-10 ATS in last 13 games following ATS win; UNDER 6-2-1 in last 9 home games.
