The 2009 campaign hasn’t played out how either team thought it might, nonetheless East Carolina (5-4, 3-5 ATS) can at least still defend their C-USA title. The Pirates have few extra days of preparation after losing to Virginia Tech 16-3. East Carolina leads the East Division of the Conference USA by a game in the loss column, but a loss throws their situation into chaos with several teams chasing them.

A hard fought loss to Boise State and fourth quarter collapse at UTEP sent Tulsa’s season into a tailspin. The Golden Hurricane (4-5, 5-3-1 ATS) have lost four in row after excruciating loss to Houston, 46-45, and will try to keep battling to keep string of four straight winning seasons intact.

Sportsbook.com has Tulsa as four-point favorites with total of 51, but they have been vulnerable all year to good defenses, which East Carolina has. The Pirates are second in total defense and third in points allowed in C-USA action. Tulsa is 4-16 ATS after being outgained by 125 or more total yards two consecutive games.

As good as ECU’s defense has been the offense has been just the opposite. The Pirates rank 90th in total offense in the country and likely won’t even has a skill position player on that side of the ball even make honorable mention when league honors are handed out. At least East Carolina is 13-8 ATS when the line is +5 to -5 and stellar 17-4 ATS as a road underdog of seven points or less.

This could well be defensive matchup and Tulsa is 21-7 ATS when they allow 15 to 21 points. The Golden Hurricane is 7-1 UNDER in all games this season, while East Carolina is 20-8 UNDER in road games against conference opponents.

ESPN has this C-USA Sunday matchup at 8:15 Eastern.

StatFox Power Line – Tulsa by 8