The East Carolina University Pirates head to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field to square off against the University of Florida Gators this week. The game will air Saturday, Sep 12 at 3:00 p.m. ET on the ESP2.
In last week’s matchup, Florida won big over New Mexico State 61-13. C’yontai Lewis had a solid performance in the victory, pulling in two receptions for 44 yards and two TDs. Treon Harris had a great game as well, adding 215 yards and two TDs through the air. East Carolina defeated Towson 28-20 in its matchup. Chris Hairston had a great game running the ball for the Pirates, dashing 18 times for 154 yards and four TDs. Isaiah Jones had 77 yards on six catches.
The Pirates are a 14-point underdog against the Gators and the Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at 56 points.
The Gators have performed above expectations so far this year. Their 1-0 records Straight Up (SU) and Against The Spread (ATS) are a noteworthy start. They are averaging 61.0 points per game, 10th-best in the nation. A focal point of Florida’s offense is its passing game, which ranks ninth in the country with 382 passing yards per game. The Pirates might have a tough time putting up points against Florida’s scoring defense, which gives up 13.0 points per game. Expect the Gators defense to restrict East Carolina’s passing attack. The Gators have the 22nd-ranked pass defense in the nation and give up only 128 passing yards per game. The Gators are one of the best in the country at scoring in the fourth quarter, averaging 14 points. Concentration could be a key factor in this week’s game. The Gators hope to profit on East Carolina’s mental lapses, which contributes to 102 penalty yards per game.
In the other locker room, the Pirates are a terrible bet ATS so far this season with a record of 0-1 to go along with a 1-0 SU record. The Gators need to be careful with the football against the Pirates. Their defense ranks 22nd in the country with one fumble recovered per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – Fla, ATS Winner – Fla, O/U – Over
Notes
Florida is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Florida’s last 13 games.
Florida is 5-13-1 ATS in its last 19 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Florida’s last 8 games at home.
Florida is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games at home.
Each team is 1-0 SU when carrying a lead into the fourth quarter.
According to overall FBS team rankings, Florida is rated higher in the ground game on both sides of the ball. Its 40th-ranked rushing attack will face the 83rd-ranked run defense of East Carolina, while its 29th-ranked rush defense will look to contain the 48th-ranked running game of the Pirates.
