Why NC State Might Win: In a league not known for its defensive prowess, East Carolina is pulling up the rear at 42 points and 457 yards allowed per game. Uh-oh. The Pack will feast on the rebuilt Pirate D behind QB Russell Wilson, who’s thrown three touchdown passes in each of the last four games and has a deep and dangerous corps of receivers at his disposal. When Wilson isn’t distributing through the air, he can hand the ball to Mustafa Greene, the program’s talented rookie back. East Carolina has allowed at least 42 points in each of the last three games, a trend that’s likely to continue.
Why Southern Miss Might Win: If there’s any hope for a turnaround for the Memphis defense, it won’t happen this week. The Tigers have been completely toothless on that side of the ball, failing to generate a pass rush or protect the red zone. The Golden Eagles will attack with the passing of Austin Davis and the running game by committee. Leading rusher Desmond Johnson is expected back from a suspension, where he’ll be joined by V.J. Floyd and Kendrick Hardy. As bad as Southern Miss was against the pass last week, it continues to stuff the run, yielding just 92 yards a game.
What Will Happen: Even away from home, this is a perfect spot for Southern Miss to regroup and get back on track. The Golden Eagles are catching a Memphis program that’s young and still evolving under rookie head coach Larry Porter. They’ll jump out to a quick lead behind the passing and running of Davis, and never look back for a much-needed lopsided win.
Why Southern Miss Might Win: If there’s any hope for a turnaround for the Memphis defense, it won’t happen this week. The Tigers have been completely toothless on that side of the ball, failing to generate a pass rush or protect the red zone. The Golden Eagles will attack with the passing of Austin Davis and the running game by committee. Leading rusher Desmond Johnson is expected back from a suspension, where he’ll be joined by V.J. Floyd and Kendrick Hardy. As bad as Southern Miss was against the pass last week, it continues to stuff the run, yielding just 92 yards a game.
What Will Happen: Even away from home, this is a perfect spot for Southern Miss to regroup and get back on track. The Golden Eagles are catching a Memphis program that’s young and still evolving under rookie head coach Larry Porter. They’ll jump out to a quick lead behind the passing and running of Davis, and never look back for a much-needed lopsided win.
