The problem for the Bobcats this season has been an anemic running game. Theyve had five games where theyve rushed for less than ninety yards, and seven times failed to rush for four yards per attempt. Beau Blankenship is averaging about a half yard less per carry, largely because of second half struggles where he's picking up just 3.7 yards per carry. Backfield mate Ryan Boykin has been just as ineffective, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry, and despite averaging 3.1 yards per carry in the redzone, he's converted just two of his seven third and short attempts. Its also hurt that Tyler Tettleton hasn't been able to run as freely, with just 39 attempts all season opposed to his 120 carries last season (where he averaged 2 yards per carry to just .3 this season). The Norman Oklahoma QB has been just about as efficient this season through the air though, completing 63.1% of his passes for 7.9 yards per attempt with just nine picks. Chase Cochran is the most explosive weapon this offense has, averaging 20.5 yards per catch while picking up 15 first downs. Donte Foster has been a first down machine though, converting 60.8% of his catches into first downs.
The Pirates have also struggled this season to run the ball, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. This, despite Vintavious Cooper averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. Cooper has converted 70% of his third and short carries, and has scored on 16% of his redzone carries. The offense though does flow through the air with Shane Carden directing the aerial assault. Carden has completed 71% of his passes this season with a better than three to one touchdown to interception ratio, and has made his money on third downs by completing 70% of his passes and converting 47.7% of those passes. Nineteen players have caught a pass for the pirates this season, but Justin Hardy has lead the group with his 105 catches and 1218 yards. He's an excellent red zone target, with six touchdowns on fourteen receptions.
The Ohio pass defense has not been stellar this season. Theyve given up 7.4 yards per pass attempt, and 22 touchdowns through the air. They have picked off 14 passes, and their best player is Devin Bass. The Omaha native defended 13 passes, and picked off another two to go with his 36 tackles. Theyve also been vulnerable to the run, surrendering 4.4 yards per carry. Leading tackler Ben Russell has 82 stops, 7.5 of them for loss. The Pirates on the other hand have been superb on the defensive side of the ball. Theyve allowed just 3.3 yards per carry, thanks to Derrell Johnson and his 78 tackles, 12.5 of them for loss to go with 6.5 sacks and eight QB hurries. East Carolina has defended 13.6% of the passes thrown against them, with Damon Magazu picking off four passes. Magazu has also ranked second on the team with 75 tackles. The only place the Pirates have not surpassed the Bobcats really is their inability to rush the passer consoistently.
Bill Connely's F/+ system ranks this game as what should be the most lopsided game this bowl season. The early line is East Carolina by a pair of touchdowns. Its not difficult to imagine this happening, the Pirates are just better in every phase of the game, and haven't been flailing for the past month against conference opponents. A huge spread though is tough to lay in unpredictable bowl season. If there is a play the over is probably safer.
The Pirates have also struggled this season to run the ball, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. This, despite Vintavious Cooper averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. Cooper has converted 70% of his third and short carries, and has scored on 16% of his redzone carries. The offense though does flow through the air with Shane Carden directing the aerial assault. Carden has completed 71% of his passes this season with a better than three to one touchdown to interception ratio, and has made his money on third downs by completing 70% of his passes and converting 47.7% of those passes. Nineteen players have caught a pass for the pirates this season, but Justin Hardy has lead the group with his 105 catches and 1218 yards. He's an excellent red zone target, with six touchdowns on fourteen receptions.
The Ohio pass defense has not been stellar this season. Theyve given up 7.4 yards per pass attempt, and 22 touchdowns through the air. They have picked off 14 passes, and their best player is Devin Bass. The Omaha native defended 13 passes, and picked off another two to go with his 36 tackles. Theyve also been vulnerable to the run, surrendering 4.4 yards per carry. Leading tackler Ben Russell has 82 stops, 7.5 of them for loss. The Pirates on the other hand have been superb on the defensive side of the ball. Theyve allowed just 3.3 yards per carry, thanks to Derrell Johnson and his 78 tackles, 12.5 of them for loss to go with 6.5 sacks and eight QB hurries. East Carolina has defended 13.6% of the passes thrown against them, with Damon Magazu picking off four passes. Magazu has also ranked second on the team with 75 tackles. The only place the Pirates have not surpassed the Bobcats really is their inability to rush the passer consoistently.
Bill Connely's F/+ system ranks this game as what should be the most lopsided game this bowl season. The early line is East Carolina by a pair of touchdowns. Its not difficult to imagine this happening, the Pirates are just better in every phase of the game, and haven't been flailing for the past month against conference opponents. A huge spread though is tough to lay in unpredictable bowl season. If there is a play the over is probably safer.
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