East Carolina ranks 128th out of of 129 FBS teams in defense giving up an average of 616.5 yards in its two games.

The Pirates just fired their defensive coordinator, Kenwick Thompson, after losing 56-20 to West Virginia last week. East Carolina surrendered 49 points in the first half so West Virginia called off the dogs in the second half.

Virginia Tech smashed East Carolina, 54-17, at home last year. The 16th-ranked Hokies play at a fast tempo and freshman quarterback Josh Jackson is proving to be an excellent fit for their offense.

Here's the thing about East Carolina. The Pirates also have a quick tempo offense. I expect the Pirates to contribute to going Over this total regardless if quarterback Thomas Sirk, who made his first start for the Pirates last week, plays or not due to a concussion he suffered last week. The Pirates figure to be throwing a lot here, which puts the pick-six for Virginia Tech very much in play.

These teams shouldn't have a problem at least matching the combined 71 points scored in last year's game.