East Carolina at NC State 8/31/19 - College Football Picks & Predictions
The East Carolina Pirates are set to visit Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina for a Week 1 clash against the NC State Wolfpack. The East Carolina Pirates are looking to rebound after going 3-9 during the 2018 season, but they will need to be much better on the offensive side of the ball as they finished the year ranked 109th in points scored. The Pirates will return their starting QB from a season ago as Holton Ahlers is looking to expand off his 2018 success as he contributed 1785 yards passing yards, 592 rushing yards, and a total of 18 TDs. The Pirates will need to find a new top target as WR Trevon Brown moved on from the program after pitching in 1123 receiving yards and 9 TDs last season.
The East Carolina Pirates struggled a ton on the defensive side of the ball last season as they finished the year ranked 121st in points allowed, and they will need to replace some key starters this season. The Pirates will be without their leading tackler from the 2018 campaign as Devon Smith ran out of eligibility after contributing 81 tackles and 11.5 TFL. The pass rush will also take a hit for the Pirates as Nate Harvey moved onto the NFL after contributing 24.5 TFL and 12 sacks last season. The NC State Wolfpack are looking to continue their success from the 2018 season as they went 9-4 with an appearance in the Gator Bowl, but they will have to replace some key offensive talent. The Wolfpack will have a new look under center as QB Ryan Finely moved onto the NFL after contributing 3928 passing yards, 25 TDs, and 11 interceptions last season. Whoever is under center will be without 2 of the top NC State WRs from last year as Jakobi Meyers and Kelvin Harmon combined for 2233 receiving yards and 11 TDs.
The NC State Wolfpack were solid on the defensive side of the ball last season as they finished the year ranked 45th in points allowed, but they will have some key players to replace this season. The Wolfpack will be without their leading tackler from the 2018 campaign as Germaine Pratt contributed 104 tackles and 6 sacks before running out of eligibility. Jarius Morehead will return to the secondary for NC State after he contributed a team-high 4 interceptions last season.
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The East Carolina Pirates struggled a ton last season, and while I don’t think they are a bowl worthy team, I do think we will see a slight improvement in their play this year. I like the Pirates to go on the road and keep this game close, considering the amount of production the Wolfpack need to replace on both sides of the ball. I have always been hesitant in backing a team that not only has to replace their starting QB but a pair of 1000-yard WRs which is the case here. Holton Ahlers had a solid freshmen campaign last season, and he should be able to capitalize on that and have an even better 2019. Final Score Prediction, NC State Wolfpack win but fail to cover ATS 28-17.
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