East Carolina vs Coastal Carolina prediction and analysis

Game Overview

This Saturday night, the East Carolina Pirates (1-1) travel to Brooks Stadium to take on the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (1-1). Both teams enter this contest with early season struggles and high hopes to establish momentum as the 2025 season unfolds. The betting line currently favors East Carolina by 7.5 points, with an over/under set at 56.5.

East Carolina Pirates Analysis

East Carolina has displayed promise through two games, narrowly falling to NC State while registering a win over Campbell. Quarterback Katin Houser has been efficient, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes for 680 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. The passing attack boasts weapons in Brock Spalding and Jayvontay Conner, both productive in yardage and scoring. Meanwhile, the Pirates’ rushing attack has been modest but effective, led by London Montgomery who has found the end zone twice.

Defensively, East Carolina has been stout, yielding a low average of 13.5 points and 287 yards per game. Leaders such as Ja’Marley Riddle and Xavier McIver have made key contributions to contain opposing offenses.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Analysis

Coastal Carolina has faced tougher challenges early on, falling to Virginia and eking out a narrow win against Charleston Southern. QB MJ Morris struggles with consistency, throwing four interceptions without any touchdown passes through two games. While the Chanticleers’ rushing attack is significantly more productive, led by Dominic Knicely’s impressive 119 yards per game, their passing game remains a liability.

Defensively, Coastal Carolina is allowing 24 points and over 300 yards per contest, a stark contrast to East Carolina’s stingy defense. Individual standouts include Dre Pinckney and Zeke Campbell, but overall, the defense has struggled to keep opponents off the scoreboard.

Key Trends and Matchup Insights

• East Carolina has won six of its last eight games against non-ranked teams, and their offense ranks fourth nationally in passing yards per game.
• Coastal Carolina has lost seven of their last ten games, with an underperforming passing attack and defensive vulnerabilities.
• The Chanticleers have difficulty scoring in second quarters, averaging a negative point differential (-9.0), highlighting in-game adjustments issues.
• East Carolina is ranked 11th in rushing yards allowed per game, showcasing a strong run defense that should challenge Coastal’s ground game.
• Historically, the underdog has found some success covering against Coastal Carolina at home, but East Carolina’s current form and balanced offense tilt the scales.

Prediction Summary

Given the statistical superiority of East Carolina’s offense and defense, coupled with Coastal Carolina’s multiple struggles in the passing game and overall consistency, this game looks poised to be controlled by the Pirates. Coastal Carolina’s ability to run the football will keep the scoreline respectable, but their turnovers and defensive lapses are likely to be costly against a potent ECU attack. Expect the Pirates to capitalize on mistakes and earn a solid road victory.

Prediction: East Carolina -7.5