Matchup: BYU Cougars vs. East Carolina Pirates
Scheduled Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Venue: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC
Broadcast: ESPN2
Betting Odds: Pirates (+7.5)
Total Points Over/Under: 48
The East Carolina Pirates (2-1) are set to face off against the BYU Cougars (2-0) on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. BYU enters this contest as 7.5-point favorites, with the total points set at 48.
As they approach this matchup, the BYU Cougars hold a perfect season record of 2-0. In their latest outing, BYU triumphed over the Stanford Cardinal with a score of 27-3. The Cougars executed 41 rush attempts, amassing 157 yards and averaging 3.8 yards per carry. Overall, they ran 68 plays generating 332 total yards. Defensively, BYU conceded 17 completions on 32 attempts, yielding 142 yards and a completion percentage of 53.1%. In the run defense, they allowed just 19 yards on 24 carries, averaging 0.8 yards per run.
This season, the Cougars have accounted for a total of 938 yards. They have reached the end zone 3 times through the air and 7 times on the ground, with only 1 turnover so far. BYU has achieved 46 first downs and incurred 9 penalties totaling 90 yards. With an average of 312.5 rushing yards per game, BYU ranks 2nd in Division 1 football. On the scoring front, the Cougars are averaging an impressive 48.0 points per game.
Defensively, BYU has allowed 198 passing yards, ranking 3rd nationally. They’re giving up an average of 99.0 passing yards per game with a completion percentage of 51.9%. Overall, they have ranked 1st in limiting opponents’ rushing yards, conceding only 106.0 yards per game. Notably, they have yet to allow any touchdowns through the air or on the ground. Opponents average only 0.3 yards per carry against BYU, with just 14 rushing yards allowed in two matches. Impressively, the Cougars sit at the top of the nation, allowing just 1.5 points per game.
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The East Carolina Pirates, entering this matchup with a 2-1 record, last played against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, securing a dominating 38-0 victory. In that game, the Pirates averaged 4.2 yards per rush, totaling 204 yards on 49 attempts. East Carolina registered 497 yards overall on 86 plays (averaging 5.8 yards per play). The defense allowed a completion rate of 48.7%, yielding 172 yards from 19 out of 39 passes, along with 67 rushing yards on 26 attempts (2.6 yards per carry).
East Carolina’s offense boasts an average of 481.7 yards per game, placing them 24th nationally in Division 1. They have accumulated 220 yards from penalties through 26 infractions, ranking 9th in aiding opponents. The Pirates have averaged 135.3 rushing yards per game, successfully covering a total of 406 rushing yards to date. They’ve recorded 74 first downs and only 1 interception. In terms of scoring, they rank 43rd in college football, averaging 37.0 points per game. Their passing game has netted 1,039 yards for an average of 346.3 yards per game, positioning them at 11th nationally.
On defense, the Pirates have given up 9.0 points per game, good for 11th in college football. They’ve allowed a total of 176 rushing yards (58.7 yards per game) and 2 rushing touchdowns this season. In pass defense, they’ve given up 1 touchdown and an average of 212.3 yards per game, ranking 71st in the country. The defense has been involved in 198 plays, earning 5 fumbles and 3 interceptions thus far, with a total of 27 points surrendered this season.
Who will prevail in this exciting college football clash between the Cougars and Pirates?
Expert Pick: Take the Cougars -7.5
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