East Carolina at North Carolina State 8/31/19 - College Football Betting Odds & Picks
East Carolina Pirates vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack
NCAAF: 12:00 PM EST
Aug. 31, 2019
TV: ACCN
Latest Odds : NCST -17.5 Total 55.5
The East Carolina Pirates visit Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday August 31 to play the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the opening game of the college football season for both.
The Pirates have had three straight 3-9 seasons. Holton Ahlers returns as the starting quarterback as a legitimate dual-threat under center. East Carolina will use a spread shotgun formation and look to use Ahlers athleticism to their advantage. Darius Pinnix should start at running back. The defensive secondary must improve or the Pirates season will be long.
North Carolina State has to replace nearly every starting skill position player for last season. The Wolfpack is coming off its second straight nine-win season, but will face rebuilding across the board. Matthew McKay will be the new quarterback, while Emeka Emezie is the top receiver. Ricky Person Jr. should start at running back. The offensive line might be the weakest link with three new starters. The defensive line was drafted by the NFL and must all be replaced but the linebackers and secondary have experience.
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Holten Ahlers led East Carolina last season with 1,785 yards passing, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions, while rushing for 592 yards and six touchdowns. The top returning running back will be Darius Pinnix Jr. who rushed for 222 yards and three touchdowns in 2018. Deondre Farrier is the top returning wide receiver with 372 yards and two touchdowns.
North Carolina State’s Matthew McKay threw for just 87 yards in limited action during 2018, but starts this season under center. The top running back returning from last season is Ricky Person Jr. who rushed in 2018 for 471 yards and two touchdowns. Emeka Emezie leads all returning receivers with 616 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Recent Betting Trends:
East Carolina is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 versus an opponent form the ACC
The OVER has cashed in 8 of the Pirates last 10 on the road
North Carolina State is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 on grass
The OVER has cashed in 5 of the Wolfpack’s last 7 overall
Free Betting Pick: East Carolina Pirates +17.5
The underdog (East Carolina) in this matchup has covered the number in 5 of the last 7 and look for that trend to continue. NC State is going through a rebuilding period with new skill position players, while East Carolina returns starting quarterback Holten Ahlers who led the Pirates in passing and receiving last season. This game will be close throughout and the Pirates will score late to upset the Wolfpack. Final Score Prediction, East Carolina Pirates win and cover ATS 27-24