East Carolina vs. Navy Prediction, Game Preview
East Carolina vs. Navy prediction and game preview. The Pirates look to run their record to 2-1 as they travel to Annapolis to take on the Midshipmen in an AAC matchup.
The Navy Midshipmen host the East Carolina Pirates in their first-ever league game. We take a look below at the Midshipmen and the Pirates in the East Carolina vs. Navy prediction and game preview.
East Carolina vs. Navy Prediction & Preview
Broadcast
Date: Saturday, September 19
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Network: CBS Sports Network
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Why You Need To Care
For the first time in Navy history, the academy will play a league game when it hosts East Carolina in Annapolis. The newest member of the American Athletic Conference opened the season with a rout of FCS Colgate, 48-10, before getting a Week 2 bye. The Pirates are a bit of mystery right now, struggling to beat Towson, yet putting a scare into Florida last Saturday in Gainesville.
Why East Carolina Will Win
The Pirates hung with the Gators in the Swamp, losing by just a touchdown. QB Blake Kemp found a rhythm against a quality SEC defense, throwing for 333 yards and three scores. And he and top receivers Isaiah Jones and Bryce Williams will be facing a soft and beatable Navy secondary.
Why Navy Will Win
ECU has a pretty good defense this season. But preparing for the Navy triple-option in less than a week is a difficult challenge. The Midshipmen are well-rested and prepared to attack the Pirates with the combination of QB Keenan Reynolds and FB Chris Swain. A ball-control offense will frustrate an ECU team that wants to move in an up-tempo fashion on offense.
Player Who Matters
The matchup between the Navy O-line and the East Carolina linebackers will be a highly interesting one. The Midshipmen blockers quickly get to the second level, where they’ll meet playmakers Zeek Bigger and Montese Overton. The winner of those battles might also end up winning on the scoreboard.
What’s Going To Happen?
East Carolina improved in Week 2, a promising sign for Ruffin McNeill’s rebuilding squad. But now the Pirates must remain on the road to face a Navy team looking to make a statement in its conference debut. The Midshipmen, behind the running of Reynolds and Swain, will wear down ECU en route to a hard-fought win.
East Carolina vs. Navy Score Prediction
Final Score: Navy 34, East Carolina 30, Line: Navy -3.5, o/u: 59
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