Both teams want to throw the ball here and I feel like East Carolina has the edge with Phil Nelson and the nationâs leading receiver Zay Jones. East Carolina has gone up against 5 top 50 pass defenses already and I think they are better than their 2-4 record suggests. Think about who they have played so far in South Carolina, NC State, Virginia Tech, and South Florida. They have done it with injury issues in the secondary, but they come into this game completely healthy which is critical against a Cinci team that typically is very strong on offense.
This year however Cinci has struggled big time they are 11th in scoring and 8th in yardage in the AAC. Now they turn to once highly coveted QB Gunner Kiel. I am not sure what happened to Kiel he has not been the same since he was knocked out of the game last year. He was listed 3rd on the depth chart all year and now all of a sudden heâs getting the nod. I just donât think anything good will come of it and Cinci is going to have to score some points. East Carolina has a dynamic offense that will put up points on Cincinnatiâs secondary.
East Carolina also got their heart and soul of their defense back in Demetri McGill which should be a huge addition. East Carolina is desperate for a win and rank 1st in AAC in yardage but 9th in scoring. They have been extremely unlucky at times with the 112th fumble recovery rate, and their red zone issues have lost them games, but now that the schedule is easing up a bit I can see the Pirates rattling off a few wins.
Arizona State is a very good home team and has covered their last 7 home games. They are particularly large under dogs in this spot against Washington State, a team getting a ton of credit now, but I am really not sold on them yet and they have a completely new task going on the road this week. Arizona State will run an up tempo offensive style with a QB that can run. Washington State has yet to face an offense that is in the top 50 in tempo, and I believe that will give them fits.
On the flip side itâs a nice match up for the Cougars as Arizona State struggles vs. the pass, but they have 7 interceptions in their home games this season and have held opponents to a 57% red zone TD%. Luke Falkâs last game here he threw 4 interceptions and I think Arizona Stateâs havoc in the front 7 can change this game in their favor.
It also helps that Arizona Stateâs Manny Wilkins is healthy and is facing a pass defense that is 111th in pass rush. The last time he faced a team that could not get to the QB he put up 351 yards passing and 2 passing TDâs and his team scored 68 points. This team has beaten Texas Tech, California and UCLA at home. Washington Stateâs defense is much improved, but they have to prove they can stop a team that can run and pass the ball in an up tempo game. They are also allowing 73.3% red zone TDâs. Arizona State is very good in the red zone and have the #5 ranked special teams. Washington Stateâs kicker has been awful and I wonât be surprised if Arizona State is able to turn this team over in the red zone a couple of times.
