East Carolina at SMU 11/9/19 - College Football Picks & Predictions

The East Carolina Pirates visit Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas on Saturday to play the No. 15 ranked SMU Mustangs. The Pirates lost their fourth straight and fell to 3-6 following a 46-43 loss to Cincinnati. The Pirates squandered a 39-28 lead starting the fourth quarter and lost when the Bearcats booted a field goal as time expired. Holton Ahlers passed for 535 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for another.

SMU fell from the unbeaten ranks following a 54-48 loss to Memphis. The Mustangs are now 8-1 but trail both Navy and Memphis in the West division of the American Athletic Conference. Shane Buechele threw for 456 yards and three touchdowns in the loss, while Ke’mon Freeman rushed for a pair of touchdowns for the Mustangs. 

Holten Ahlers has thrown for 2,207 yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Demetrius Mauney leads the Pirates in rushing with 433 yards and one touchdown, while the leading receiver is C.J. Johnson with 682 yards and three touchdowns. Xavier Smith leads the Pirates in tackles with 61.

SMU quarterback Shane Buechele has thrown for 2,781 yards, 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Xavier Jones leads all SMU running backs with 906 yards and 15 touchdowns. The leading receiver is Reggie Roberson Jr. with 803 yards and six touchdowns. Richard McBryde leads the Mustangs in tackles with 59.