ECU vs. UConn Prediction, Game Preview
ECU vs. UConn prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Pirates and Huskies.
ECU vs. UConn prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Pirates and Huskies.
ECU vs. UConn Game Preview
When: Saturday, October 29 – 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC
TV Broadcast: ESPNEWS
The Pirates were throttled by Cincinnati in a 31-19 loss, allowing 348 passing yards and four touchdowns to Bearcats quarterback Gunner Kiel. ECU quarterback Philip Nelson had 283 yards and two touchdowns of his own, but two interceptions killed the Pirates.
The Huskies were also burnt in the passing game in a 24-16 loss to UCF, giving up 317 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Quarterback Bryant Shirreffs threw for 242 yards, but was inaccurate and didn’t get a ball into the end zone by passing or running.
What To Know About ECU
It has been a struggle for ECU since starting out the season with two straight wins, as the Pirates have now lost five straight. The offense hasn’t been a problem, as it ranks No. 9 in the nation in total offense with 513.7 yards per game. All those yards have resulted in little points, as the Pirates are No. 79 in FBS, scoring 26.7 points per game.
The defense has been a disaster, though, giving up 32.4 points per game. Focusing on shutting down Shirreffs and running back Arkeel Newsome, who rushed for more than 100 yards in two of the last three games, will be a focal point.
What to Know About UConn
Unlike ECU, UConn has had trouble on offense this season, ranking No. 102 in the nation in total offense with 369.5 yards per game. A lot of that blame lies on the rushing attack, which has not been able to do much. Shirreffs has often been forced to single-handedly move the offense with his arm and legs, and defenses can focus completely on him. The Huskies will get a break, though, as the ECU defense gives up a lot of yards.
Advantages
Offense: ECU. If the Pirates had any defense, they would have a winning record right now.
Defense: UConn. The Huskies aren’t exactly good, but they are better than the Pirates at defending.
Special Teams: UConn. Bobby Puyol has only missed two field goals in 14 attempts.
Coaching: ECU. This only goes to Scottie Montgomery because he didn’t make a rivalry trophy for a fake rivalry.
Intangibles: ECU. Five losses in a row has to have the Pirates seething.
Matchup To Watch
ECU defense vs. tackling
The Pirates haven’t been able to stop anyone, and some of that has to do with poor tackling.
ECU vs. UConn Betting Odds
Spread: ECU -7
Over/Under: 51.5
ECU vs. UConn Prediction
Will this be a high-scoring affair? ECU can put points on the board and the defense gives up a lot, so it would seem that the scoreboard operator would be busy. UConn, however, has trouble putting points on the board, averaging just 20.3 points per game. What will give? Well, the Pirates will be able to outscore the Huskies and snap their losing streak. ECU by seven.
ECU vs. UConn Score Prediction: ECU 31, UConn 24
