| MATCHUP | Pittsburgh Panthers | East Carolina Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 8-4 | 8-4 |
| Spread | -10 -112 | +10 -108 |
| Moneyline | -375 | +295 |
| Total | Over 52.5 (-115) | Under 52.5 (-105) |
| Where | Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD | |
| When | Saturday, December 27, 2025 | |
| Time | 11:00 AM EST | |
| TV | ESPN | |
Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Panthers are 8-4 (6-2) this year after they lost to Miami by a score of 38-7 in their last game. Pittsburgh led 7-3 in the second quarter, but they trailed 17-7 at halftime and they were outscored 21-0 in the second half for the blowout loss. The Panthers were out gained by a total of 416-229, went 4-13 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at one in the game. Mason Heintschel went 22-32 for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Ja’Kyrian Turner rushed 10 times for 37 yards. Raphael Williams Jr led the receivers with five catches for 66 yards in the loss.Prior to that game, Pittsburgh defeated Georgia Tech by a score of 42-28, but lost to Notre Dame by a score of 37-15 before that. The Panthers have lost two of their last three games and they finished tied for second in the ACC standings. Pittsburgh has scored 35.1 points per game with 274.8 passing yards and 117.0 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 24.9 points against per game this season. Mason Heintschel has thrown for 2,098 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while Kenny Johnson has 48 receptions for 695 yards and five scores this year.
East Carolina Pirates Betting Preview
The East Carolina Pirates are 8-4 (6-2) this season after they defeated FAU by a score of 42-3 in their last game. East Carolina led 21-3 after the first quarter and 42-3 at halftime, before coasting to the win in the second half, despite scoring zero points. The Pirates out gained FAU by a total of 512-338, went 12-17 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 5-1 in the game. Katin Houser went 20-29 for 258 yards and two touchdowns, while Marlon Gunn Jr rushed 14 times for 130 yards and one score. Desirrio Riles led the receivers with seven catches for 87 yards and one touchdown in the victory.Prior to that game, East Carolina lost to UTSA by a score of 58-24, but did beat Memphis by a score of 31-27 before that. The Pirates have won five of their last six games and they finished tied for fourth in the American standings. East Carolina has scored 33.5 points per game with 280.7 passing yards and 184.0 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 20.3 points against per game this season. Katin Houser is sitting out of the bowl game, so we will see what ECU decides to do at quarterback, while Anthony Smith has 60 receptions for 897 yards and five scores this season.
Why the Pittsburgh Panthers will win
- The favorite has won 11 of East Carolina’s last 12 games.
- Pittsburgh has covered the spread in each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- East Carolina has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Total Points Facts
- Each of East Carolina’s last five games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Pittsburgh’s last three games played at neutral venues have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- East Carolina ranks 8th among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (71.4).
- East Carolina ranks 12th among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage this season (50.0).
- Pittsburgh ranks T12th among FBS teams for interceptions this season (15).
- Pittsburgh ranks T12th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (37.0).
Pittsburgh vs East Carolina Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup with an 8-4 record on the season, but Pittsburgh is a pretty big favorite. The Panthers have had some issues on defense, as they have allowed 28+ in four of their last five, but I think ECU is going to have trouble scoring points. The Pirates are missing Houser, who was one of the better quarterbacks in the conference, and I don’t think they have any good options to replace him. Both teams have opt outs, but I think Pitt is in a much better spot. Take the Panthers to win big here.David Racey is 174-146 (54%) in College Football this season and is one of the top College Football Handicappers on the site. David went 5-1 in College Football on Saturday. Click here for his premium plays for the week!