The East Carolina Pirates (2-2) and the SMU Mustangs (1-3) will be looking for their first league win this weekend in Dallas.. Check out the East Carolina vs. SMU prediction and game preview.

East Carolina vs. SMU Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3

Game Time: 4:00 ET

Network: ESPNEWS

Follow and/or Contact @Rich Cirminiello

Why You Need To Care

East Carolina and SMU will be on opposite ends of the momentum spectrum when they meet this Saturday in Dallas. The Pirates just defeated Virginia Tech for their fifth win in a row over an ACC opponent. It was a much-needed rebound for ECU, which just a week earlier was sunk by Navy. Meanwhile, the Mustangs lost a shootout to FCS James Madison, the first true setback for new head coach Chad Morris.

Why East Carolina Will Win

After scoring five touchdowns on one of the nastiest ACC defenses, the Pirates should have few problems with a Pony D that was just gashed for 729 yards by JMU. East Carolina can produce a ton of big plays, with dual-threat QB James Summers emerging as an unexpected weapon off the bench. SMU’s attempt to stop an athletic quarterback, Vad Lee, last Saturday went horribly wrong.

Why SMU Will Win

The defense is a work in progress on the Hilltop. But Morris’ offense is coming along nicely. The Mustangs are averaging more than 33 points, which includes games with Baylor and TCU. QB Matt Davis continues to do a little bit of everything, while WR Courtland Sutton and RB Ajee Montes, a converted DB, emerge into go-to players.

Player Who Matters

Davis in not only thriving in a new system, but he’s also doing so without a ton of help from up front. The Mustangs allowed five sacks to the Dukes, four to DE Andrew Ankrah. And East Carolina is capable of turning up the heat from multiple levels, including DE Terrell Stanley and LB Jordan Williams.

What’s Going To Happen?

It’s a new week, so East Carolina could be susceptible to a letdown following the upset of Va Tech. Still, the SMU defense is so bad right now that the Pirates will avoid the trap. The combination of Summers and pocket passer Blake Kemp at quarterback will outduel Davis to hand ECU its first conference win of the season.

East Carolina vs. SMU Prediction

Prediction: East Carolina 37, SMU 30, Line: East Carolina -5.5, o/u: 67

Must See Rating: 5: 99 Homes – 1: The Intern … 1.5

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