East Carolina at North Carolina State 9/3/22 - College Football Picks & Predictions

The East Carolina Pirates come into the 2022 season looking to build off a decent 7-5 record a year ago. The Pirates showed flashes of greatness a year ago but still struggled in big moments with the lack of explosion and experience needed to get over the hump. Quarterback Holton Ahlers will be back under center as the key piece in the Pirates offense.

Offensively the Pirates will have various weapons as receiver Tyler Snead is expected to lead the way for ECU. CJ Johnson will be a threat as well, while tight end Ryan Jones will catch 30+ passes on the year as well. The Pirates will also lean on a 2 back set in the backfield that could see both backs bust 1,000 yards this year.

Defensively East Carolina is expected to be a little bit better than last year as several of their rotational players will step into big roles this season. The linebacker position led by Myles Berry will be a big key for the East Carolina defense as his pressure and presence on the field will allow a talented group of defensive backs to control opposing teams offenses.

The North Carolina State Wolfpack come into the 2022 season after a stellar 9-3 year in 2021. Offensively North Carolina State will give Devin Leary the keys to the team as the starting quarterback. In 2021 Leary threw for more than 3,400 yards and 35 scores as he will be looked upon to improve on those numbers this season.

The North Carolina State Wolfpack has a host of weapons that will be around their quarterback led by an elite group of pass catchers. Thayer Thomas and Devin Carter are expected to have breakout seasons this year and a Maryland transfer will make an immediate impact for the Wolfpack as well.

North Carolina State had an outstanding defense last year that finished within the top 20 nationally. The Wolfpack boasts a plethora of talent and depth across their defense that will make them immediate impact players in the ACC this season. North Carolina State will rely on pressure from the line as their linebacker core and defensive backs control the team to disrupt opposing offenses.