The North Carolina Tar Heels (-15.5) aren’t traveling far to take on the East Carolina Pirates at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. This afternoon game is scheduled to get underway at 3:30 p.m. ET and fans can catch the action by tuning in to ESPNU.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. East Carolina Pirates Betting Preview
East Carolina is a big underdog in this game and is currently getting 15.5 points. The Tar Heels are also receiving -945 moneyline odds while the Pirates are +600. Oddsmakers have determined the over/under (O/U) to be 59 points, and multiple good live betting scenarios could be unveiled during the game.
The early action has moved toward the Tar Heels, as the opening line was 14. The game’s total hasn’t moved after being set initially at 59.
The Tar Heels are down 1.0 unit so far and 0-0-1 against the spread (ATS). The team’s posted an O/U record of 0-1. The Pirates have been a disappointment to moneyline bettors this season, losing 5.5 units. The team is 0-1 ATS and also has an O/U record of 0-1.
The Tar Heels have gone 0-1 straight up (SU) in 2018 while the Pirates are also 0-1 SU.
The Tar Heels are still seeking their first win after a 24-17 defeat to California last weekTheir defense allowed the Golden Bears to rush for 160 yards on 49 attempts, along with one rushing TD. Patrick Laird logged a good day for the Golden Bears in that one with 95 rushing yards and a score on 29 attempts. On the offensive side of the ball, Nathan Elliott completed just 15 passes on 35 attempts for 137 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions. Antonio Williams (47 yards on 17 rush attempts, one TD) and the signal-caller Elliott (58 yards on 10 carries) led the ground attack in the loss. Anthony Ratliff-Williams (three receptions, 62 yards, one TD) and Williams (three catches, 26 yards) shared the receiving duties.
One week ago, North Carolina A&T took care of this East Carolina crew by a score of 28-23. The Pirates defense held its territory in the loss, keeping the Aggies to just 187 passing yards and 82 yards on the ground. Malik Wilson had a solid outing for North Carolina A&T, accounting for 89 yards and a score on seven catches. For East Carolina, Reid Herring completed 37-of-65 passes for 309 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Anthony Scott (34 yards on 12 rush attempts) and Trace Christian (20 yards on 10 carries) mounted the ground game in the defeat as Terrell Green (10 receptions, 85 yards) and Blake Proehl (nine catches, 65 yards, one TD) led the receiving attack..
NCAA Prediction: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. East Carolina Pirates
SU Winner – Tar Heels, ATS Winner – Tar Heels, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Trends
The North Carolina defense has 4 sacks on the year while East Carolina has one.
East Carolina has lost one fumble this season while North Carolina has yet to lose any
North Carolina created 17 rushing touchdowns last season.
East Carolina put up 10 rushing touchdowns last season.
The Tar Heels registered 4.1 yards per carry last season while allowing 4.8 YPC to opponents.
The Pirates registered 3.3 yards per carry last season and gave up a YPC of 5.9 to opponents.
The North Carolina O-line yielded 30 sacks last season. Their defense created 23 sacks.
East Carolina offensive line gave up 15 sacks last year. Their defense got to opposing quarterbacks 11 times
North Carolina converted 21 passing touchdowns last season.
East Carolina threw for 26 passing touchdowns last season.
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