BYU vs. East Carolina Prediction, Game Preview
BYU vs. East Carolina prediction and game preview. The Cougars look to improve to 4-2 as they host the Pirates.
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It’s the BYU Cougars (3-2) and the East Carolina Pirates (3-2) in a non-conference matchup of teams trying to avoid slipping back to .500. Check out the BYU vs. East Carolina prediction and game preview.
BYU vs. East Carolina Game Preview
Broadcast
Date: Saturday, October 10
Venue: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah
Game Time: 7:30 ET
Network: ESPNU
Why You Need To Care
East Carolina and BYU have met in softball. But Saturday’s matchup in Provo will be their first in football. Both teams are 3-2, looking to move further from mediocrity and a step close to bowl eligibility. The Cougars began their recovery from back-to-back losses to UCLA and Michigan by defeating UConn on Friday night. Next up on the three-game homestand with the American Athletic Conference is the Pirates, who’ve won consecutive games over Virginia Tech and SMU. A win at LaVell Edwards Stadium will have ECU soaring into the second half of the season.
Why East Carolina Will Win
After getting thumped by Navy in Week 3, the Pirates have started to gel on both sides of the ball. The defense is tightening up against the run and James Summers has been the answer East Carolina has been seeking at quarterback. The JUCO transfer has been a revelation off the bench, using his arm and especially his legs to confuse defenses. Summers’ elusiveness is helping open things up for Pirate receivers Isaiah Jones, Bryce Williams and Trevon Brown.
Why BYU Will Win
Player Who Matters
BYU QB Tanner Mangum has been hit-or-miss, particularly when he’s not tossing up Hail Mary prayers. But he has access to three long targets, Mitch Mathews, Terenn Houk and Nick Kurtz, who are all 6-5 or taller. And 235-pound backs Francis Bernard and Algernon Brown played well in Adam Hine’s absence. Execution has been a problem, but the Cougars should be able to outphysical the Pirates.
What’s Going To Happen?
For the second straight week, East Carolina is taking a long road trip. This weekend, though, the Pirates won’t return home with a W. BYU will key on stopping Summers, spying his every move. On offense, the Cougars will use their superior physicality to spring the big backs and afford Mangum the time he needs to find an open receiver.
BYU vs. East Carolina Prediction
Final Score: BYU 31, East Carolina 26, Line: BYU -7.5, o/u: 56
Must See Rating: 5: The Walk – 1: Pan … 2
