Charlotte football vs. ECU first look: Betting odds, key matchup, player to watch
Charlotte football is set to renew its in-state conference rivalry.
The Pirates of East Carolina University visit Jerry Richardson Stadium for just the second all-time meeting between the two teams. Now rivals in the American Athletic Conference, Charlotte pulled out a 10-7 win over ECU in Greenville when the North Carolina programs met for the first time last season.
East Carolina, which beat UTSA in its conference opener last week, has a defensive unit that ranks third in the American in yards per game through the first five games of the season.
“Another challenging game on the road this weekend against a much-improved Charlotte football team,” ECU head coach Mike Houston said in his weekly news conference Monday. “(The 49ers) got their own big win down at Rice this weekend after they trailed majority of the game. They were able to come back and win that game to go 1-0 in the league as well, so that creates a big matchup this weekend down in Charlotte.”
Key matchup: ECU’s running backs vs. Charlotte defense
Rahjai Harris is having a strong year running the football for East Carolina.
The Duncan, S.C., native has rushed for 367 yards this season, along with recording at least one reception in each of the Pirates’ first five games. Junior quarterback Jake Garcia is skilled with his legs, and running back Javious Bond, who didn’t play in last week’s game, boasts nearly triple-digit rushing yards.
Led by junior defensive back Al-Ma’hi Ali and his team-high 21 solo tackles, Charlotte’s defense has been strong against the run.
“I see us facing one of the better run defenses we’ve seen all year,” Houston said. “We’ve got another challenge this weekend. Charlotte plays the run very well, so hopefully we can see some improvement this week and be much better this upcoming Saturday.”
Player to watch: Charlotte WR Isaiah Myers
He’s only totaled five catches for the Niners, but they’ve come in a big way.
Isaiah “Zay” Myers racked up 45 yards, including his first career touchdown, during the loss to James Madison in the opener. He recorded a 23-yard gain against Gardner-Webb before getting back in the end zone on a 25-yard touchdown grab at Indiana.
He made another fine catch during the second half of Saturday’s game at Rice, but it ended up being called back.
Myers, the 6-foot-5 wide receiver who grew up starring on the basketball court in Ohio, is one of Charlotte’s best threats through the air, and the Niners quarterbacks will be trying to get the ball to him.
Vegas betting odds
East Carolina is an 8.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 46.5 points.
How to watch the Charlotte 49ers against ECU
Matchup: East Carolina Pirates (3-2) at Charlotte 49ers (2-3)
TV: ESPNU
Stream: ESPN App
Radio: ESPN 730
Date: Saturday, Oct. 5
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Place: Jerry Richardson Stadium, UNC Charlotte
