Florida Atlantic vs. East Carolina: Owls Look to Break Losing Streak on the Road
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. East Carolina Pirates: Week 9 Preview and Predictions
The Florida Atlantic Owls (2-6, 0-4 AAC) will be hoping to break their three-game losing streak when they travel to face the East Carolina Pirates (4-4, 2-2 AAC) this Thursday night at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The game kicks off at 8:00 PM ET, and with both teams fighting for momentum, it promises to be a crucial matchup in the American Athletic Conference.
Florida Atlantic Owls: Struggling to Find Consistency
The Owls are having a tough season, having lost six of their first eight games. They are desperate for a win, especially as they head into this matchup with a 0-4 record in AAC play. Florida Atlantic’s last game was a 44-21 loss to USF, where they failed to cover as 1.5-point underdogs.
Florida Atlantic’s offense has been inconsistent throughout the season, averaging 24.0 points per game. Their offense is somewhat balanced, rushing for 169.8 yards per game while passing for 196.8 yards. But it hasn’t been enough to overcome their defensive struggles, as they’ve allowed 30.1 points per game.
In their recent defeat to USF, Cam Fancher completed 52% of his passes for 306 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. The Owls’ running back, CJ Campbell Jr., had a solid performance with 12 carries for 90 yards and two touchdowns, adding five receptions for 78 yards and another touchdown. However, the Florida Atlantic defense could not keep up, giving up 44 points and failing to stop USF’s offensive attack.
The Owls will need to drastically improve on both sides of the ball to have a chance in this one. If their defense can step up and contain the East Carolina offense, it will relieve some pressure off their offense to put up big numbers on the road.
East Carolina Pirates: Looking for Momentum After Big Win
On the other side of the field, the East Carolina Pirates are aiming to build on a 56-34 victory over Temple in their last outing. That win snapped a two-game losing streak and pushed their record to 4-4 on the season, with a 2-2 record in conference play. The Pirates will look to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since Week 3 as they aim to stay competitive in the AAC.
East Carolina’s offense has been one of the more explosive units in the conference this season. The Pirates average 30.4 points per game, thanks to a high-powered passing game that churns out 263.9 yards per game through the air. They also average 133.6 rushing yards per game. Katin Houser has been a solid leader under center, completing 55% of his passes for 269 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions in their win over Temple. The Pirates also saw Rahjai Harris have a standout performance with 130 rushing yards and a touchdown.
While East Carolina’s offense has been prolific, their defense has had its fair share of issues. The Pirates allow 28.4 points per game, including 34 points to Temple in their most recent win. They will need to tighten up defensively to avoid a shootout, as Florida Atlantic has the potential to keep the game close with its balanced attack. Defensive leaders like Jalen Goree and Jireh Wilson will need to step up and make crucial stops to help the Pirates secure the win.
Conclusion
While the Florida Atlantic Owls have the talent to make this a competitive game, their lack of success on the road and defensive inconsistencies are major red flags. East Carolina has been more stable overall, especially on offense, and their home field advantage should provide the extra boost they need to secure a much-needed win. Expect a solid offensive showing from the Pirates, who should come away with the victory to push their record to 5-4 on the season.
Unlock Winning Insights!
As Florida Atlantic Owls and East Carolina battle it out, make sure you have the best information at your fingertips. Our data packages provide in-depth analysis and statistics that can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning big this season!
Don’t miss out! Click the button below to explore our data packages and elevate your game strategy today!
