A downgraded American Conference helped East Carolina turn around their season from a 3-4 start. They closed out the year with wins in four of their final five games. Sophomore quarterback Katie Houser showed some growth with eighteen touchdown passes on the season. NC State was a team that was projected fourth in the ACC conference odds, but close losses and inconsistent play derailed the Wolf Pack. Look for the turnover edge to hail with the Pirates and keep them within the number.

This number makes sense given that both teams' games averaged 60 points. A few factors suggest that this one will fall short of five-dozen. Three impact WRs -- Winston Wright Jr. and Chase Sowell for East Carolina, KC Concepcion for N.C. State -- will bypass the bowl. Plus, rain is expected throughout the day in Annapolis, which could further impede both passing attacks. Both sides might do more handing off than usual, which likely would generate an Under.

NC State has lost four straight bowl games, while this is only the second bowl game for East Carolina in the last decade. The Pirates are 4-1 under now full-time coach Blake Harrell and showed much promise with Katin Houser at quarterback. For the Wolfpack, 2024 was a massive disappointment, including a defense that gave up more than 30 points per game. In this battle of teams who will meet in the 2025 season opener, I like the Pirates to keep this within one score, if not win the game outright.