- Matchup: Pittsburgh Panthers vs East Carolina Pirates
- Event Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
- Venue: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Point Spread: Pirates (+10.0)
- Total Points Over-Under: 56.5
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This December, the Pittsburgh Panthers (8-4) will clash with the East Carolina Pirates (8-4) at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for the Go Bowling Military Bowl. East Carolina is set as an underdog by 10.0 points, while the total points line is marked at 56.5.
The Panthers come into this matchup with a record of 8-4. Their most recent game against the Miami Hurricanes resulted in a disappointing defeat, finishing 38-7. During that contest, Pittsburgh executed 54 plays for a total of 229 yards. They managed only 30 rushing yards on 21 attempts, averaging a mere 1.4 yards per carry. On defense, the Panthers struggled against the rush, conceding 140 yards on 39 carries, averaging 3.6 yards per carry defensively. They allowed the Hurricanes to complete 24 of 32 passes for 276 yards, yielding a completion rate of 75.0%.
Offensively, the Pittsburgh Panthers average 35.1 points per game while accumulating 117.0 rushing yards per game, which places them 115th in Division 1. Overall, this season, they have racked up 4,702 total yards. They have scored 28 touchdowns through the air and 18 on the ground. Pittsburgh has recorded 246 first downs but has also faced difficulties with 92 penalties resulting in 836 yards. They have turned the ball over 18 times.
On the defensive side, the Panthers have allowed a total of 2,882 passing yards, ranking them 99th nationally. Opponents are averaging 240.2 passing yards against them each game with a completion percentage of 63.5%. Overall, Pittsburgh has given up an average of 337.2 yards per game, placing them 39th in the country. The defense has surrendered 26 passing touchdowns and 12 rushing touchdowns, allowing an average of 2.8 yards per rush and 97.0 rushing yards per contest across the season. In total, they’ve conceded 1,164 rushing yards this year, leading to an average of 24.9 points allowed per game, ranking them 69th in Division 1.
The East Carolina Pirates also enter this matchup with an 8-4 record. In their last outing, they triumphed over the Florida Atlantic Owls with a resounding 42-3 victory. In that game, the Pirates rushed for 4.5 yards per carry, accruing 254 yards across 56 attempts, and finished with a total of 512 yards from 86 plays, averaging 6.0 yards per play. The Pirates’ secondary allowed a completion percentage of 60.8%, conceding 299 yards on 31 of 51 passing attempts while giving up only 39 yards on 22 rushing attempts (1.8 yards per rush).
The Pirates boast an impressive average of 464.7 total yards per game, placing them 14th nationwide. Their offense has committed penalties totaling 760 yards from 89 infractions, ranking 23rd in Division 1 for aiding opponents. They average 184.0 rushing yards per game and have gained 2,208 rushing yards this season. They have recorded six interceptions and have allowed seven fumbles, while earning 292 first downs. When it comes to scoring, the Pirates rank 22nd in Division 1, netting an average of 33.5 points per game. They’ve accumulated 3,368 passing yards this season, averaging 280.7 yards through the air, placing them 16th in the nation.
Defensively, the Pirates are yielding 20.3 points per game, positioning them 28th in Division 1. They’ve allowed a total of 1,444 rushing yards this season (120.3 yards per game) along with 11 rushing touchdowns. Through the air, they’ve conceded 16 passing touchdowns and an average of 228.7 passing yards per game, ranking them 88th in college football. East Carolina’s defense has participated in 809 plays, ranking them 64th nationally. They have recovered 10 fumbles and intercepted 10 passes throughout the season, allowing a total of 244 points.
Which team will secure victory in this Panthers vs. Pirates college football matchup?
Your Pick: Go with the Pirates +10.0
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