UTSA Roadrunners vs
East Carolina PiratesPredictions & Preview

UTSA Roadrunners Look to Continue Winning Streak Against East Carolina Pirates

In Week 5 of the 2024 college football season, the UTSA Roadrunners are set to take on the East Carolina Pirates in an American Athletic Conference matchup at Dowdy-Ficken Stadium. UTSA is coming off a dominant 45-7 win over Houston Christian, while East Carolina is looking to bounce back from a two-game losing streak. The Roadrunners emerged victorious in their first meeting last season with a 41-27 win. East Carolina is currently favored by 4 points in the upcoming game.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Roadrunners +163 | Pirates -185
• Spread: Roadrunners +4 (-110) | Pirates -4 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 56.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that East Carolina will win straight-up is 65%.

UTSA vs East Carolina Stats

UTSA Roadrunners

The UTSA Roadrunners are looking to build on their current 2-2 record and start a winning streak. Quarterback Owen McCown has been impressive, completing 67.0% of his passes for 803 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Robert Henry has also been a standout player, contributing both on the ground and in the passing game. The defense has struggled, allowing an average of 32.0 points per game. However, with some improvements on defense, the Roadrunners should be competitive in conference play. UTSA is currently ranked 125 in offense, 127 in defense, and has a power ranking of 36. Despite some challenges, there are no reported injuries for the team.

East Carolina Pirates Analysis

The East Carolina Pirates are looking to break a two-game losing streak and improve their performance, particularly on the offensive side where quarterback Jake Garcia has struggled with turnovers. Despite this, the team's defense has been a strong asset, allowing an average of 18.3 points per game and forcing turnovers. Currently, the Pirates have a power ranking of 83, ranking #83 for offense and #28 for defense. They hold a 2-2 record overall, with UTSA having gone 0-1 in their last 3 matchups against East Carolina. No injuries have been reported for the Pirates.

Third Down Conversions and Defensive Record Key Factors in Roadrunners vs Pirates Matchup

The discrepancy in third down conversion rates between the Roadrunners and the Pirates is a key differentiator in their performance this season. The Roadrunners have converted 34.38% of their third down opportunities, while the Pirates have converted 49.21%. Despite Owen McCown's impressive touchdown to interception ratio, his lack of touchdown passes in losses exposes weaknesses in his performance. Additionally, the Pirates' strong defensive record this season makes them a formidable opponent. The Roadrunners' recent performance, with a 1-6 record against the spread, further indicates their struggle to compete. Considering these factors, a strategic choice would be to favor the East Carolina Pirates, who are favored by four points in this home game.

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