The upcoming crackle is going to set sparks flying as the UTSA Roadrunners cross swords with the East Carolina Pirates. A quick gander at past bouts brings back memories of that Oct 2023 wonder, where the Roadrunners made the Pirates walk the plank, hammering them 41-27. Indelible stuff right there.
Both crews show up with a regular season record knotted at 2-2. Parity at its best, eh? The Roadrunners have been on a see-saw spell, last seen sending the Houston Baptist Huskies’ tails between their legs with a savage 45-7 whooping. Meanwhile, the Pirates had a recent standstill against the Liberty Flames in an ever so riveting 0-0 stalemate. Those pitch painters would've got a workout.
Piloting the good ship Roadrunner, we've got Owen McCown, who’s been at his surgical best with a passing efficiency of 139.3, 6 TDs and zero interceptions. About as clean as a nun’s conscience, ain't he? On the other side, Jake Garcia for the Pirates, an impressive commander with a passing efficiency of 129.9 but who’s been a tad loose with 8 interceptions. Time to tighten those sails, Garcia!
Rolling through the Roadrunners' ranks, we find Robert Henry and Willie McCoy particularly spicy with their performances. Henry's clocked 233 total yards with 2 touchdowns, while Willie McCoy flashed brilliance with 215 total yards and a couple of touchdowns to boot. For the Pirates, Rahjai Harris and Anthony Smith have been rocking the foredeck. Harris with 265 total yards and Smith bringing a sweet 223 total yards to the party. Some lively jigs there, folks!
The defense for both sides looks like a regular fortress. Martavius French and Owen Pewee have been tight for the Roadrunners with 13 tackles each, the latter with a cheeky forced fumble and interception. Zakye Barker has been on the front lines for the Pirates, contributing 16 tackles and a forced fumble. It's a veritable human wall over there.
So, who's going to swab the deck and who's walking the plank? The winds are whispering in favor of the...
Albert’s Prediction: UTSA Roadrunners by 3.