A big College Football game on Saturday features the East Carolina Pirates against the Appalachian State Mountaineers. The East Carolina Pirates are seeking their first win of the 2023 season. After scoring just a field goal in a road loss at Michigan to start the season, East Carolina dropped 31-13 at home to Marshall last weekend.
For Appalachian State, they are coming off a tough overtime loss at North Carolina. That loss came after their Week One win over Gardner-Webb. It’s time for our East Carolina vs Appalachian State prediction!
Looking at the college football standings, this should be one of the better NCAA football games today.
East Carolina vs. Appalachian State Information
Before we give our East Carolina vs Appalachian State prediction, here is some information about these two NCAA Football teams and this game on the NCAAF schedule:
East Carolina Pirates vs Appalachian State Mountaineers
Location of the game: Kidd Brewer Stadium; Boone, NC.
Date & Time: Saturday, September 16. 3:30 pm EST.
How to Watch: ESPN+
Recent Scores
East Carolina Pirates 2023 Results:
- Saturday, September 2nd, 2023: 30-3 loss at Michigan
- Saturday, September 9th, 2023: 31-13 loss vs. Marshall
Appalachian State 2023 Results:
- Saturday, September 2nd, 2023: 45-24 win vs. Gardner Webb
- Saturday, September 9th, 2023: 40-34 loss at North Carolina
East Carolina Pirates vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers Betting Analysis
Before we make our NCAAF Picks, take a look at the most up-to-date NCAAF Odds:
- Moneyline: Appalachian State Mountaineers -360, East Carolina Pirates +285
- Spread: Appalachian State Mountaineers -9.5, East Carolina Pirates +9.5
- Total: 49.5
East Carolina Pirates vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers Betting Preview
The East Carolina Pirates brought some guys back from a season ago, so they were expected to be able to compete at least. So far, that has not happened. The Pirates are scoring just 8 points per game, which ranks 130th in College Football. The defense has not been better, allowing over 30 points per game.
Mason Garcia is the main man on the offensive side, but even he has struggled. He has just 142 passing yards and a score, with 154 yards on the ground so far. Looking at more of their college football players, the top receiving threat has been Jsi Hatfield, who has six receptions and 69 yards. East Carolina’s defense allowed a trick play for a touchdown and gave up three to Marshall’s Rasheen Ali. So far, East Carolina Pirates predictions have turned into two uncompetitive losses.
The Pirates have Gardner-Webb after this, before a road trip to Rice.
Mountaineers Miss Out on Big Upset Opportunity
The Mountaineers felt they had a great chance to pull a big upset but let it slip away. That’s going to likely be the only ranked team Appalachian State plays all season. The Mountaineers are sixth in College Football, with more than 54 points per game through the first two. The offense is coming from all over the field. The passing game is averaging 261 yards and rushing at 183.
Joey Aguilar, the quarterback for the Mountaineers, threw four touchdowns in the opener and added two last week. Dashaun Davis has been his top target, with 76.5 yards per game and two total touchdowns. Nate Noel has 50 carries through the first two games, three touchdowns, and 242 yards.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers are playing this home game and then will play their final two games of September on the road. Trips to Wyoming and Louisiana-Monroe are next.
The next time the Mountaineers are at home is Saturday, October 10th, when Coastal Carolina comes to town. The Appalachian State Mountaineers lines are interesting, as many know they can compete with the best in the country.
East Carolina Pirates vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers Betting Prediction
Sorry, Pirates, this game is not going to go well. Appalachian State is more than ready to get after it from start to finish. They feel like they should be playing to go 3-0. Instead, the Pirates are playing to avoid 0-3. It will not happen—too much firepower for Appalachian State.
- Take the Mountaineers -9.5 over the Pirates.
- Barring any late additions to the college football injury report, our final East Carolina vs Appalachian State prediction is Appalachian State 34-21 over East Carolina.
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