Final Picks, and Bold Predictions, for ECU’s Thursday night game against UAB – USFTB

East Carolina looks to handle the challenge of a short week on the road when it takes on UAB inside Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., on Thursday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 CT).

The Pirates (3-2, 1-0 American) come in winners of three in a row, and look to make it a fourth as a road favorite of 4.5-5.5 points, depending on where you look. UAB (3-3, 1-1) comes in off a 38-13 loss at rival Memphis, where the Blazers led at halftime before allowing 28 unanswered. 

This is the first meeting between ECU and UAB since 2013, when they were each members of Conference USA. 

With it being game day, it’s time for the Hoist The Colours staff to make our final picks, and some bold predictions, for Thursday’s game. 

STEPHEN IGOE

Football games on short rest tend to not be very pretty. Throw in an ECU defense that’s towards the top of the league, and two very inconsistent offenses, and two teams that aren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard, and this one could be super sluggish, too. That may not be a bad thing for ECU, which has won three games in a row playing that sort of style. Sure, it would be nice to go out and win easily. But sometimes you have to embrace just finding a way.

The Pirates have to find a way to stay ahead of the chains offensively, because UAB can get after the passer. And that starts with establishing a ground game. Conversely, the Blazers are a run-heavy football team themselves. That matches up pretty well with the strength of ECU’s defensive front. 

ECU finds a way to get a fourth straight win, and a road conference victory.

ECU 27, UAB 20

Bonus Bold Prediction: Ashton Gray gets into the end zone for his first time as a Pirate and has a 100-yard rushing day.

PEYTON BRADY

The Pirates are back in Alabama. When ECU traveled to Birmingham earlier this season they did not return with the results they wanted. I think this trip will be much different. The Pirates have momentum and confidence coming off of a win against Rice. UAB is looking better defensively under their new head coach Alex Mortensen. They have established a more competitive offensive that may challenge the Pirates. ECU must limit explosive plays from the Blazers and establish their run game early. The ECU defense will need to force QB Ryder Burton into passing situations to create turnover opportunities. I think the Pirates will extend their win streak in Birmingham. 

ECU 27, UAB 17

Bonus Bold Prediction: Ray Ray Joseph Jr. puts ECU on the board with a receiving touchdown. 

JAMES GIGLIO

First of back-to-back Thursday night road games for ECU in Week 7. This game has scared me since the schedule got released, as it is the classic short week trap game. ECU’s offense looked better a week ago in the second half vs Rice, but still struggled early, and my concern is that you can get away with poor offense against teams like Rice. I don’t think you can get away with poor offense against teams like UAB on a short week and on the road. 

Nevertheless I picked ECU on the show and I’m going to stick with it. 

ECU 23, UAB 21

Bonus Bold Prediction: Landon Sides finishes with five-plus catches.

CHRIS WATSON

Both teams have very mediocre offenses, and ECU’s defense should be able to take control of this game, early and often.

ECU 28, UAB 14

Bonus Bold Prediction: Emory Williams throws for 300 yards and two touchdowns.