Saturday, September 13, 2014

Lane Stadium in Blacksburg

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The East Carolina Pirates will play their third game of the year on Saturday against the #17 Virginia Tech Hokies, who have been one of the big early surprises so far this season. The Hokies were able to defeat the Pirates 15-10 in 2013.

East Carolina played pretty well in their game against South Carolina on the road last weekend, but they ended up losing 33-23. The Pirates put up 453 yards of offense in that loss and they converted six of their 12 third down opportunities. They are currently averaging 347.5 passing yards per game, which is 15th in the nation.

East Carolina wide receiver Justin Hardy has 19 receptions for 220 yards and two touchdowns this season, while Isaiah Jones has 18 catches for 196 yards and one score. Quarterback Shane Carden has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes for 604 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Virginia Tech had the biggest surprise win this past weekend when they defeated the then-ranked #8 Ohio State Buckeyes 35-21 on the road. The Hokies had 324 yards of offense in the win and forced the Buckeyes into turning the ball over three times. Virginia Tech has given up just 15 points per game so far, which is 27th in the country.

The Hokies' offense has been led by running back Shai McKenzie, who has 113 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Freshman tight end Bucky Hodges has eight catches for 59 yards and two scores so far this year.

Injuries to Watch

East Carolina Pirates

09/08/14 LB Devaris Brunson Undisclosed questionable Saturday vs. Virginia Tech
09/07/14 WR DaQuan Barnes Back questionable Saturday vs. Virginia Tech
09/07/14 TE Darren Dowdell Leg questionable Saturday vs. Virginia Tech
09/07/14 DB DaShawn Benton Knee questionable Saturday vs. Virginia Tech
09/07/14 LB Desi Brown Leg questionable Saturday vs. Virginia Tech
09/07/14 LB Kirk Donaldson Knee questionable Saturday vs. Virginia Tech
09/02/14 DT Terry Williams Knee out indefinitely

Virginia Tech Hokies

09/08/14 CB Brandon Facyson Hip probable Saturday vs. East Carolina
09/08/14 LB Sean Huelskamp Knee out indefinitely
09/08/14 TE Kalvin Cline Knee is downgraded to doubtful Saturday vs. East Carolina
09/08/14 CB Kendall Fuller Undisclosed is upgraded to probable Saturday vs. East Carolina
09/07/14 DB Anthony Shegog Thumb questionable Saturday vs. East Carolina
09/07/14 QB Brenden Motley Back questionable Saturday vs. East Carolina
09/07/14 WR Carlis Parker Personal questionable Saturday vs. East Carolina
09/07/14 OL Jack Willenbrock Foot questionable Saturday vs. East Carolina
09/07/14 LB Ronny Vandyke Groin questionable Saturday vs. East Carolina
09/07/14 OL Kyle Chung Shoulder questionable Saturday vs. East Carolina
09/07/14 DT Ricky Walker Knee questionable Saturday vs. East Carolina
08/15/14 OL Mark Shuman Knee out for season
08/04/14 LB Devin Vandyke Leg out indefinitely
08/04/14 WR Kendrick Holland Shoulder out for season

Guy's Pick: Take Virginia Tech

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Guy Bruhn