The East Carolina University Pirates (3-3, 1-2 AAC) and their outstanding passing offense welcome the University of Memphis Tigers (4-2, 2-1 AAC), one of the country’s softest aerial defenses, at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Saturday. The Pirates are five-point favorites, and the total is 58.Memphis is coming off a close 33-32 loss against No. 25 Houston at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium last Friday. Seth Henigan was 21 of 32 for 241 yards and a touchdown. Jevyon Ducker ran 10 times for 38 yards. Gabriel Rogers caught five passes for 71 yards. East Carolina lost 24-9 to Tulane at Benson Field at Yulman Stadium last Saturday. Holton Ahlers threw for 288 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Marlon Gunn Jr. carried seven times for 67 yards. Isaiah Winstead hauled in nine receptions for 90 yards.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Pirates won the only game between the teams last season, a 30-29 overtime victory in November. Keaton Mitchell had a rushing touchdown for East Carolina. Seth Henigan tossed three touchdowns for Memphis.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Tigers are averaging 34.0 points per game for the season, fourth in the AAC, and they are facing a Pirates defense that has surrendered 21.2 PPG (5th). Meanwhile, East Carolina has scored 30.8 points a game this season, eighth in the conference, and Memphis is allowing 27.3 PPG (7th).The Tigers rank 48th in the country in passing yards per game (259.7) and 74th in rushing (148.7), while the Pirates are 97th in passing yards allowed per game (256.8) and 29th against the run (114.2). East Carolina has been one of the nation’s top passing teams, averaging 311.0 passing yards per game (17th), while ranking 58th in rushing yards (164.0). Memphis’ defense has been vulnerable through the air, as the Tigers are 125th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (301.0). Against the run, the Tigers are 25th (109.7).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through six games, Seth Henigan has thrown for 10 touchdowns (1 INT) and 252.8 yards per game to lead Memphis in passing. In two away games this season, he has three TDs and an average of 290.0 yards passing. Jevyon Ducker leads the team in rushing with an average of 37.5 yards a game over six games. He has two touchdowns on the ground and one through the air. Gabriel Rogers is the Tigers’ leading receiver with 50.3 yards a game. Holton Ahlers has 16 passing touchdowns (5 INT) with 304.5 yards per game through six games to lead East Carolina. In four home games this season, he has thrown for nine TDs (3 INT) and an average of 268.5 yards. Keaton Mitchell has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 85.2 yards a game through five games. He has three touchdowns. Isaiah Winstead has been a key target in the Pirates’ passing game. He has two touchdowns and a 93.3 yard per game average through six appearances.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
ECU (-225)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
