Previewing Thursday's top college football TV matchup

Eddie Timanus

USA TODAY Sports

Updated Sept. 5, 2013, 7:31 a.m. ET

East Carolina wideout Justin Hardy, left, and quarterback Shane Carden, celebrating a score last year, hooked up 16 times in the 2013 season-opening win against Old Dominion.

Florida Atlantic (0-1) at East Carolina (1-0)

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET/Fox Sports 1. Surface: Grass.

Line: East Carolina by 20½. Sagarin difference: ECU by 14.81.

Synopsis: These ships that pass on a Thursday night meet as conference opponents for the first — and most likely last — time as FAU begins its maiden voyage in Conference USA and ECU opens its final trip through the league before sailing off to the American next season. The Pirates' 52-38 shootout win against future C-USA member Old Dominion on opening day is likely a sign of things to come for the high-scoring, defensively challenged squad.

That could be good news for the Owls, whose offense was completely smothered by the Miami Hurricanes. ECU QB Shane Carden's most frequent target is WR Justin Hardy, though he also likes freshman Davon Grayson in the red zone. FAU will counter with mobile QB Jaquez Johnson, who should get more ground support this week from TB Jonathan Wallace.

Line furnished by Glantz-Culver. Jeff Sagarin's power ratings show the relative strength of teams; 6.49 points were added to the home team's rating to calculate the difference.

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