ECU 2018 Betting Preview: Can A New Defensive Coordinator Save the Pirates?

ECU 2018 Betting Preview: Can A New Defensive Coordinator Save the Pirates? article feature image
Credit:

James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports. Pictured: East Carolina coach Scottie Montgomery

East Carolina 2018 Betting Odds

  • To win the National Title: +999999
  • To win the AAC: +30000
  • To win the AAC East: N/A
  • Win Total: 3.5 (over +110, under -140)

All lines as of July 9. Always shop for the best line.


East Carolina 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds

The Action Network Projected Wins: 2.8

Bet To Watch

East Carolina Win Total Under 3.5 -140

Outside of North Carolina A&T, Old Dominion, and UConn it's impossible to find that fourth win to go over the season win total. Most noteworthy, the three winnable games are all at home. The best chance at that fourth win will have to happen in road games at Tulane or Cincinnati, where the Pirates will likely be underdogs of a touchdown or more.


>> Follow Collin Wilson in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his college football bets during the season.


Scottie Montgomery was on the hot seat last year, but his fate is unknown after Athletic Director Jeff Compher stepped down on May 1. Montgomery has been absolved of Pirates' struggles for the time being by the interim AD. Though all of that could change with another 3-9 season while the search for a new Athletic Director concludes.

ECU is in the same boat as fellow AAC member Tulsa, where the defense has hit rock bottom. Tulsa is throwing JUCO talent on the defense to try and get a stop. And Montgomery has brought in one of the top FCS defensive coordinators from Jacksonville State, David Blackwell. The Gamecocks (of Jacksonville State, not South Carolina) ranked third in rushing defense, second in total defense, and fifth in team passing efficiency defense.

There could be life in this ECU defense thanks to the new coordinator, but this is an uphill battle that may not cash an over ticket until 2019. Take the Under 3.5 (-140).

What else you need to know about East Carolina

My projections have the season opener against North Carolina A&T +7.  5Dimes is currently offering NC A&T +11, but with further inspection the hire of David Blackwell could be key in this game.  East Carolina will be North Carolina A&T's second game of the season, as they open Aug. 25 with Jacksonville State, David Blackwell's former players. The East Carolina staff will be over prepared for their opener, therefore I will wait to see if the line dips closer to the projected -7 before laying the points.

More College Football Betting Previews

Click here for betting previews on all 130 teams.

How would you rate this article?

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Action Network makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.