Birmingham Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs. East Carolina Prediction, Odds & Picks (Tuesday, Dec. 27)

Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall looks downfield in a 2021 game.
Image Credit: Nicholas LoVerde-USA TODAY Sports

It’s the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl, and Coastal Carolina is set to face East Carolina on Tuesday, Dec. 27. The game is scheduled for 6:45 ET while airing on ESPN. East Carolina enters this game as 7.5-point favorites with the total set at 65.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Coastal Carolina vs. East Carolina prediction for the Birmingham Bowl below.

Birmingham Bowl Odds: Coastal Carolina vs. East Carolina

  • Spread: East Carolina -7.5
  • Total: 65.5

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. New to FanDuel? Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook Review to find out how to redeem a $1,000 risk-free bet!

Game Info

  • Date: Tuesday, Dec. 27
  • Time: 6:45 ET
  • Location: Protective Stadium — Birmingham, AL
  • TV: ESPN

Coastal Carolina vs. East Carolina Prediction

Coastal Carolina is in the midst of some changes. Head coach Jamey Chadwell is leaving, and star QB Grayson McCall will enter the transfer portal. However, McCall will play in this game prior to finding a home elsewhere. He’ll need an incredible final game for the Chanticleers to have a chance.

McCall will have that opportunity against an East Carolina defense that ranks 122nd in opponent completion percentage, 127th in opponent yards per pass, and 130th in pass defense. Obviously, Coastal Carolina excels in the passing game with McCall, ranking seventh in the nation for yards per pass and 50th in total passing offense.

As it turns out, the Coastal Carolina pass defense isn’t that great either, as here are its ranks in several crucial categories:

  • 129th in opponent yards per pass
  • 108th in pass defense
  • 87th in opponent completion percentage

East Carolina likes to throw the football too, ranking 19th in completion rate, and 15th in the country for passing offense.

Let’s lean into those angles while expecting both teams to put up some points via the passing attack. This should be a fun one to watch.

The Pick: Over 65.5 total points | -110 at FanDuel Sportsbook