East Carolina
September 7, 2010
"Props to Ruffin"
Matthew S. Wall
Under a new coach this season, East Carolina managed to pull off quite a win in week 1 at Dowdy-Ficklen versus Tulsa. Here are things that went well and things to work on for next week:
POSITIVES:
1) Former Texas Tech coach Ruffin McNeill's spread offense was more effective than predicted. EC matched play-for-play with the potent Tulsa offense.
2) QB Dominique Davis showed lots of potential. 27/46, 383 yds, 5 pass TD, 1 rush TD. He has the leadership and poise--both of which are hard to come by these days.
3) WR DeWayne Harris found a great supporting role in the 1st half as he was shut off from any special teams returns. In the 2nd half, he stepped up with 2 TDs and a crucial 1st down late in the 4th quarter. True veteran.
NEEDS WORK:
1) Obviously, the defensive secondary has their work cut out for them. They were beat on 4 separate occassions all leading to big plays, one of which was the 75-yd TD reception from Kinne to Carter early in the fourth.
2) The D-Line put absolutely zero pressure on the Tulsa QB in the first half. Unfortunately, with the lack of returners on the line (only 1 with experience), the Pirates will have to adjust.
3) Offensive 3rd Down % was only 37.5 (6-16). Making big plays on 3rd down are a necessity to a successful C-USA team.
FOR NEXT WEEK (vs. Memphis Sat. 12 NOON)
1) Run game must continue to compliment the pass game in the spread.
2) Special teams coverage must deny the opponent's field position.
3) Watch out for tranfer K Michael Barbour who successfully kicked a 38-yd FG in his debut with the Pirates.
October 6, 2009
ECU - Marshall Recap
Matthew S. Wall
If it wasn't for a surprise 30-yd run by QB Pinkney and 2 big defensive plays, ECU would've been looking at 1-1 in C-USA play right now. Thanks to superb defense by CB Davis as well as LB Chambliss the Pirates are safely above .500 at 3-2 on the year.
POSITIVES: The run offense produced. RB Lindsay stepped up with 18 carries over 76 yards and 1 TD. WR Harris also made good work with both 6 receptions and 5 carries as the Pirates worked out of the Wildcat on several times. Expect to see improvement where the run game can be more effectively utilized. Who knows, it's possible Pinkney may run again.
Watch out for Sophomore CB Emmanuel Davis to make more big plays in the future. He's now tied for 1st in C-USA with 4 interceptions on the year.
Also, P Matt Dodge once again performed well with a 40-yd net average with 1 inside the 20.
NEGATIVES: The Pirates D allowed 141 yds rushing from Thundering Herd RB Marshall. The Herd also controlled the Time of Possession 33-27 and outgained EC in total yardage (306-286). The Pirates still lack strong leadership on the field. Momentum swing seems to be an issue for the Pirates. Other than the occassional big play, there has yet to be someone to "ignite" this team.
CONCLUSION: Signs of improvement/adjustment from the offense; still no sign of on-field leadership. Prepare for more close games especially as when the Pirates are away from home.
INJURY UPDATES
WR Michael Bowman (Arm) - Questionable
OG Terence Campbell (Shoulder) - Questionable
WR Jamar Bryant (Head) - Expected to play
RB Dominique Lindsay (Shoulder) - Probable
September 19, 2009
Matthew S. Wall
In their 12th matchup, the Pirates looked to make a statement against the Tarheels. Instead it looked as if the Tarheels would not be upset at home in Kenan Stadium this week.
Positives: The strong D-line limited the UNC run game. P Matt Dodge had a net average of 50 yards per punt with 3 inside the 20. DB Marshall was effective in punt coverage. The Pirates were not hurt by discipline in this game. Also there a hint of potential showed in WRs Taylor and Womack after they combined for 9 receptions of 112 yards.
Negatives: The offense has only managed to score 3 points in the second half. QB Pinkney continues to throw on the run if he manages to throw. He had less than 50 yards passing in the first half. His performance hasn't matched experience. Also, runners couldn't turn the corners on the UNC defense. The secondary was beat multiple times on big plays through the air. There was lack a leadership when someone needed to step up.
Some adjustments need to be made. With the exception of a double reverse pass, the relatively dry play calling may be one reason the offense has yet to find consistency. The Pirates were outdone 21-13 in first downs despite their advantageous field position. Missing senior RB Lindsay, EC only had 53 yards on the ground.
In a pre-game press conference Holtz chatted about the possibility of redshirt QB Jordan getting a chance under center if Pinkney's confidence doesn't show soon. The real test begins with the first C-USA matchup for the Pirates against UCF at home in Greenville next week.
INJURY UPDATE:
CB Emanuel Davis is questionable (shoulder).
SS Levin Neal should return next week against UCF.
RB Dominique Lindsay is out (shoulder).
September 11, 2009
There Will be Improvement
Matthew S. Wall
Saturday the Pirates head to Morgantown to take on West Virginia for the sixth time in the Holtz era.
After last week, QB Patrick Pinkney will be looking for a better outing than the meager 82.6 pass efficiency he put up last week. RB Lindsay received his first ECU start last week. Look for more performance from him as he adjusts. Foresee the running game to improve as defenses improve. The only negative is ECU in the top 25 after week 1 for the amount of penalties conceded.
WVU is 59-1 when scoring 30 or more points in a contest. They also threw for 243 yards against Liberty in the 2009 season opener. Last year against North Carolina in the Meineke Car Care Bowl on Dec. 27, the Mountaineers threw
for 332 yards, the first time they had over 300 yards passing since 2000. Expect for the run game to lead the scores for West Virginia.
Juniors Noel Devine and Jock Sanders can be counted on
for at least one combined touchdown each game. But a look at the WVU defense from last week shows them allowing 300 yards to D-II Liberty.
[West Virginia]
1) PASSING OFFENSE: Under experienced, stronger-armed QB Brown needs to hit receivers, along with Sophomore TE Urban, for points to show up.
2) HOME FIELD: If the Mountaineers can swing the momentum their way, they have a chance at an early lead--something they were unable to do last year in Greenville, NC when they lost 24-3.
[East Carolina]
1) GROUND GAME: West Virginia D has only allowed 9 100-yard rushers in the past 52 games. Give the ball to the hot hand (Lindsay or Jackson) and utilize powerback Jonathan Williams near the goal line.
2) LINEBACKERS: They are the weakest part of the Defense. Like last week, LBs Chambliss & Johnson will determine the extent of the WVU run game (including both RB Devine and scrambling QB Brown).
3) DISCIPLINE: Pirates can't afford yardage pro bono, especially away from Dowdy-Ficklen.
The teams are a balanced match up on all aspects of the game but one. The coaching advantage goes to the Pirates. Holtz has proven himself against BCS teams. Look out for the infamous 3rd quarter. ECU will make or break here.
September 7, 2009
A Necessary Scare for the Purple
Matthew S. Wall
The Pirates kicked the door open Saturday against the FCS preseason #1 ASU but it was the Mountaineers that decided to stay a while. ECU pulled out to a commanding 24-0 lead in the first 17 minutes, but with a relaxed Pirate D and a determined 3rd string App QB the margin narrowed to only 5 before time expired.
OFFENSE: Give credit to the ECU running game in the first half. They managed 159 yards rushing with three 20+ yard gains--two of which were TDs (Jackson, Lindsay). Note also that all four RBs received carries, including Jonathan Williams who was suspended last year for several team violations. The offensive line also stood its ground well allowing zero Pinkney takedowns.
In all, the running game is secure for the time being (watch for the emergence of transfer RB Brandon Jackson), but there are holes the 6th-year Pinkney has to mend. Pinkney was only 12-27, 130 yds and 2 interceptions against the ASU secondary.
DEFENSE: Solid production from individuals like Chambliss, Eskeridge, CJ Wilson. When Appalachian 3rd stringer Tavaris Cadet broke open a struggling offense in the 2nd half (51 yds rushing; 7-9, 55 yds passing), ECU needed a play call adjustment. Instead, they sat back and lost momentum allowing just enough to keep ASU within reach.
SPECIAL TEAMS: P Dodge had 220 yards over 5 punts (44.0 avg) with 2 inside the 20. Field position definitely helped EC when a faulty ASU snap gave the Pirates a safety and their only points of the 2nd half. K Hartman struck 2 FGs from inside 30. The only issue is how well his hip will hold up in the coming weeks. Kick returners Simmons, Harris, and Lindsay all made significant contributions.
Skip Holtz afterwards said, "If the adage is true that you improve more from first to second game, then I think we have a chance to be pretty good, but obviously we've got a lot of improving to do."
The tide changes next week when ECU must head away from Dowdy-Ficklen to face another set of Mountaineers.
September 4, 2009
GAME 1: An Old Rivalry from Across the State
Matthew S. Wall
On Saturday the usually "giant-killing" Pirates will be looking to thwart a "giant killer" of their own. Appalachian State will be in for a treat playing a non-conventionally scoring, overtime loving band of buccaneers. This will be the first matchup in more than 30 years for the former SoCon rivals. Appalachian leads the series 19-10. Also, the Pirates are also only 33-39-1 (.459) in season openers.
For ECU there could be as little as three first time starters. The only newcomer among ECU's defense is SS Levin Neal, a transfer who started 6 contests at N.C. State in 2006 and 2007. The Pirates surrendered only 128 points in the last 8 games (6-2) last year averaging 16.0 ppg. This defense ranked 1st among Total Defense in C-USA last season. Expect more of the same. Seniors Wilson, Robinson, and Ross along with junior Linvall Joseph should tighten the aggressive running game of a Mountaineer quarterback. The backs aren't too shabby either with senior FS Eskeridge keeping a close eye on the passing attack. They stood 5th in the nation last year with 22 picks. A good showing by the veteran linebackers will have ECU destined to keep the Pirates close in any matchup.
The offense may be adjusting under a new running exposition, but there is plenty of experience to go around between quarterback (Pinkney) and receivers (Bryant and Harris). Look for the big play. ECU averages 3.5 20+ yardage plays per game with at least 1 resulting in a touchdown. In 2008 they were also 36-42 (85.7%) from within the red-zone. *Also, don't be surprised to see former QB Rob Kass taking a series at Tight End - a move he made to benefit the team in his senior season.
If this game comes down to the wire, discipline for the Pirates could become a factor. They averaged substantially more penalties and yards (82-742) than opponents last season (62-464).
The Mountaineers finished in the top 10 in 5 major offensive categories: scoring, rushing, pass efficiency, total offense, and red-zone efficiency (88%).
Sophomore DeAndre Presley will be making his second career start in place of the injured Armanti Edwards. In his only previous start, he accumulated 314 yards of total offense with four touchdowns in a 35-10 victory against rival Western Carolina last year. If Presley is under center expect to see a lot of scrambling and improvisation. The Apps also lost a pair of all-conference tackles this season downgrading the line from its prestige of 2008.
Watch out for junior FS Mark LeGree, who leads in SoCon all-time interceptions with 10 in 2008 and who is up for the 2009 Bronko Nagurski award (and the other FCS player at that). The Mountaineers also have to solid cornerbacks (an All-American and an All-Freshman) leading the defensive secondary.
[Keys for the Mountaineers]
1) FIELD POSITION: With the mighty Pirate D-line far outweighing the Apps O-line the Mountaineers will have to take advantage of the slightest scoring opportunity.
2) PASS DEFENSE: Force East Carolina to narrow its offensive options.
3) MANAGING TIME: Jerry Moore must keep the time of possession for ASU in his favor.[Keys for the Pirates]
1) RUN OFFENSE: Running Backs effectiveness (or health) could set the flow of the offense.
2) LINEBACKERS: They will make or break the Mountaineer offense's run option.
3) DISCIPLINE: EC can't cause yellow flags and give up precious yardage.
In conclusion: As long as PK Ben Hartman is 100% and Patrick Pinkney's offense takes control, look for the Pirates to make their move just after halftime in the 3rd quarter. If SoCon's Defensive POY Jacque Roman and the ASU defense can hang in there, it may just come down to a turnover or a field goal.
INJURIES:
Appalachian St.
PROBABLE - OL Harries (Ankle)
QUESTIONABLE - QB Edwards (Foot)
DOUBTFUL - OL Kilgore (Ankle)
OUT - QB Jackson (Thumb)
- DL J. Johnson (Ankle)
- DL Moll (Ankle)East Carolina
PROBABLE - RB Jackson (Thumb)
DOUBTFUL - LB Patterson (Leg)
OUT - WR Bowman (Arm)
- FB Herlocker (Knee)
- RB Rogers (Knee)For more info feel free to visit Gameday Central (http://www.ecupirates.com/gameday/)