September 19, 2025

BYU Football Faces East Carolina in Greenville

Greenville, North Carolina, September 19, 2025

News Summary

The BYU football team is set to clash with the East Carolina Pirates in Greenville, North Carolina. The Cougars are favored to win by 6.5 points despite recent fluctuations in betting lines. Advanced analytics suggest BYU has a strong chance of victory, bolstered by their elite defensive ranking and recent performances. This matchup presents a significant opportunity for both teams as BYU aims to improve its efficiency on offense while East Carolina seeks to bounce back from recent losses. The game will be televised on ESPN2.

Greenville, North Carolina – The BYU football team is heading to Greenville, North Carolina, to take on the East Carolina Pirates on Saturday night, September 20, 2025. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. MT, and the Cougars opened as 7.5-point favorites, although the betting line has since decreased to BYU -6.5.

Advanced analytics provide a favorable outlook for BYU, suggesting they are better positioned than what oddsmakers reflect. The presence of a true freshman quarterback making his first road start is thought to be a significant factor influencing the odds. CFB Graphs estimates BYU’s chance of victory at 71%, projecting a final score of 31-18. The Cougars currently rank first nationally in points allowed per drive, while the Pirates sit at 18th place in the same category, indicating a relatively strong defensive performance from both teams.

Additionally, BYU’s offense ranks 14th nationally in “quality drive rate,” which evaluates how often teams secure first downs at the opponent’s 40-yard line or score big-play touchdowns. Despite this, they rank 110th in points per quality drive, signaling inefficiency in converting drives into touchdowns. Meanwhile, BCFToys gives BYU an 80.6% chance to win, projecting a similar final score of 30-17, and ranks the Cougars as the 19th best team nationally. Their defensive efficiency ranking holds at 15th, while their offensive ranking is at 41.

East Carolina currently ranks 78th nationally, with an offensive ranking of 93rd and a defensive rating of 63rd. The Cougars also hold an advantage in special teams, ranking 14th nationally, compared to East Carolina’s 68th position. The SP+ analytics model echoes the trend by giving BYU a 72% chance to win, projecting a final score of 31-21, in agreement with the Football Power Index (FPI) which also predicts a 72% likelihood of victory for BYU.

The game will be broadcast on ESPN2, featuring commentary provided by Lowell Galindo, Aaron Murray, and Lauren Sisler. The last time BYU faced East Carolina resulted in a dramatic home loss in 2022. However, the Cougars will be refreshed and prepared for this matchup after their recent bye week. In contrast, East Carolina is coming off a loss to North Carolina State, followed by victories over Campbell and Coastal Carolina.

Performance Overview

Game Date: September 20, 2025
Location: Greenville, North Carolina
Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. MT
Betting Line: BYU -6.5
BYU’s League Rank: 1st in points allowed per drive
East Carolina’s League Rank: 18th in points allowed per drive
BYU’s Offensive Quality Drive Rate Ranking: 14th
BYU’s Points per Quality Drive Ranking: 110th
Projection from CFB Graphs: 71% chance to win, score of 31-18
Projection from BCFToys: 80.6% chance to win, score of 30-17
Projection from SP+: 72% chance to win, score of 31-21
East Carolina’s Current Performance: Loss to North Carolina State, victories over Campbell and Coastal Carolina

Conclusion

With a mix of recent performances, favorable analytics, and a focus on improving offensive efficiency, BYU appears ready to take on East Carolina in what could be a pivotal match for both teams as the season progresses.

FAQ Section

What is the game date for the matchup between BYU and East Carolina?

The game is scheduled for September 20, 2025.

What time does the game start?

Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MT.

What was the initial betting line for BYU?

BYU opened as a 7.5-point favorite, but the line has decreased to BYU -6.5.

What are the chances of BYU winning according to analytics?

CBF Graphs gives BYU a 71% chance to win, while BCFToys gives them an 80.6% chance.

What are the offensive and defensive rankings for BYU and East Carolina?

BYU ranks 1st nationally in points allowed per drive, and 14th in quality drive rate, while East Carolina ranks 78th offensively and 63rd defensively.

Where can I watch the game?

The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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