East Carolina Pirates (3-3) vs. Army Black Knights (6-0)
October 19, 2024 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Army Black Knights -15.5 / East Carolina Pirates +15.5; Over/Under: +51.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The East Carolina Pirates and the Army Black Knights meet in week 8 college football action from Michie Stadium on Saturday afternoon. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Army vs East Carolina Prediction.
East Carolina Recap
The East Carolina Pirates come into this game looking to bounce back after their bye week, having a chance to refresh after a 55-24 loss to Charlotte last time out to drop to 3-3 on the year. After this game, East Carolina will head home for a matchup with the Temple Owls.
Pirates Trying To Get Back Above .500
Jake Garcia has thrown for 1,426 yards, 7 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 60.2% passing while Rahjai Harris has rushed for a team-high 397 yards and 3 touchdowns. Chase Sowell leads the Pirates with 298 receiving yards while Anthony Smith has 18 grabs for 284 yards and 2 TDs and Winston Wright Jr. has a team-high 25 receptions for 280 yards this season. Another four ECU receivers have 100+ receiving yards on the year. On defense, Omar Rogers has a team-high 42 total tackles while Gavin Gibson has 2 interceptions and Elijah Morris has a team-high 3 sacks. As a unit, East Carolina has combined for 14 sacks and 7 interceptions on the year.
Why the East Carolina Pirates will win
- Army has lost three of its last four home games in October.
- East Carolina has covered the spread in seven of its last eight October games as a road underdog.
- Army has failed to cover the spread in 13 of its last 17 home games in October.
Army Recap
The Army Black Knights come into this one looking to remain unbeaten after improving to 6-0 on the year thanks to a 44-10 win over UAB last time out. After this game, Army will have their matchup with Air Force following a bye week.
Black Knights Continuing Push For AAC Title Spot
Bryson Daily has thrown for 482 yards and 6 touchdowns on 48% passing while also leading the Army option with 738 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Noah Short has 397 rushing yards and 2 TDs and Kanye Udoh also has 531 rushing yards with 4 scores. Casey Reynolds leads the Black Knights with 7 receptions for 208 yards and 3 touchdowns and Noah Short has 7 grabs for 201 yards and 3 scores as well. On defense, Andon Thomas has a team-high 34 total tackles including 14 solo tackles while Jaydan Mayes and Casey Larkin each have a pair of interceptions. Brett Gerena, Elo Modozie and Eric Ford all have a pair of sacks as well this season. As a unit, Army’s defense has combined for 10 sacks and 8 interceptions so far this season.
Why the Army Black Knights will win
- East Carolina has lost each of its last 14 games against AP-ranked teams.
- Army has won each of its last 10 games.
- Army has covered the spread in each of its last eight games.
- East Carolina has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games.
Army vs East Carolina Prediction
I’m on Army here. Until Army slows down, or shows signs of letting up, I’m not getting off of this train. The Black Knights may not be the flashiest offense and the option offense usually chews up a lot of clock, but the Army offense has been explosive with tons of big plays, and I just think that East Carolina will be unable to match what Army brings to the table for a full 60 minutes. Give me Army here.
