Pirate Pulse Predictions: ECU vs. Temple

The Pirates are back in action after a long break and a dominant win over Tulsa, heading north to face Temple in a chilly Philadelphia matchup that could define the rest of the season.

At 4-3 overall and 2-1 in American Conference play, ECU has a golden opportunity to solidify itself near the top of the standings with a win over the Owls. Meanwhile, Temple enters 5-3 and 3-1 in league play, making this a pivotal game for both sides in the postseason race.

Here’s what the Pirate Pulse crew thinks ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Lincoln Financial Field.

Trey Scott:

“ECU wins in a very important conference game. I think this game is the turning point of the season. A loss moves ECU to .500, a win moves ECU to 5-3 and 3-1 in conference. Must win game from Pirates.”

Prediction: ECU 33, Temple 28

Adam Johnson:

“Tomorrow will be tough — Temple isn’t a walkover. They need to come out slinging, and the defense needs to do what they do. If we stop the run and are able to run, the game should play into our hands.”

Prediction: ECU 31, Temple 24

Chance Scott:

“The Pirates are in a sneaky, tough matchup today. It’s cold and windy here in Philadelphia. The Pirate run game will be big today — if they can run for 150+ yards, they’ll win this one.”

Prediction: ECU 30, Temple 20

Final Take:

It’s a critical American Conference matchup with major implications for both programs. A win keeps ECU in the thick of the conference race heading into November — and based on how the Pirates have been trending offensively, there’s reason to believe they’ll keep it rolling.