The East Carolina Pirates and the UTSA Roadrunners meet Saturday in college football action from the Alamodome. East Carolina just finished up a game versus Charlotte. In that one the Pirates fell to 1-6 with a tough three-point loss. As for UTSA, they’re coming off a matchup versus Florida Atlantic. The 4-3 Roadrunners ended up cruising to a blowout win. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

East Carolina Pirates 

The Pirates got off to a rough start this season, losing five of their first six games. East Carolina got a lone blowout win over Gardner-Webb 44-0 during that time. Otherwise the losses came 30-3 to Michigan, 31-13 to Marshall, 43-28 to Appalachian State, 24-17 to Rice and 31-10 to SMU. Pirates QB Mason Garcia posted 155 yards on 12-of-26 passing in the loss to the Mustangs. 

On Saturday versus Charlotte, the Pirates showed some life with a late touchdown after falling behind 10-0 but still ended up losing 10-7. Alex Finn managed 69 pass yards with a score, and Marlon Gunn led an anemic rush with 17 yards (Kamarro Edmonds had 17 as well). Chase Sowell was tops among receivers with 27 yards on three catches. 

East Carolina Pirates Team Facts

• East Carolina has lost each of its last six games as an underdog.
• East Carolina has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games against conference opponents.
• East Carolina has lost the first half in five of its last six games against conference opponents.
• Each of East Carolina’s last six October games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

UTSA Roadrunners 

Over on the Roadrunners’ side, they got off to a rough start this year as well with a 1-3 effort through their first four games. The lone win came versus Texas State 20-13; otherwise it was losses to Houston 17-14, Army 37-29 and Tennessee 45-14. UTSA posted wins in their next pair however, taking out Temple 49-34 and UAB 41-20. 

In the matchup versus Florida Atlantic, UTSA was down 10-7 early. The Roadrunners ended up posting points in every quarter on the way to a 36-10 blowout victory, though. Quarterback Frank Harris managed 261 yards with two scores and two picks. Kevorian Barnes added 56 rush yards and Devin McCuin led the receivers with 64 yards on five catches. 

UTSA Roadrunners Team Facts

• UTSA has won each of its last 15 home games against conference opponents.
• UTSA has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games against conference opponents.
• UTSA has won the first half in seven of its last eight games against conference opponents.
• Each of UTSA’s last seven October home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ve got to stick with UTSA. The Roadrunners started slow against FAU in their last outing but ultimately flexed their offensive muscle with 437 total yards (261 passing) and 27 first downs. UTSA did cough up three turnovers and eight penalties, but it didn’t make much difference on the scoreboard due to just 162 yards (142 passing) allowed by the defense. UTSA is scoring very well these days: they’ve hit 36 or more points in three straight games. 

As for East Carolina, they lost a good opportunity for a win versus Charlotte over the weekend and couldn’t get the offense going at all (127 total yards; 10 first downs). That makes 13 or fewer points in four of seven games so far this season. Unless the Pirates suddenly find their mojo on both sides of the ball I don’t think they’ll keep pace for long in this one.