Pirate fan here... was coming to town to watch the game(and the Cowboys/ Giants) but as usual life squashed that double play. I think this game will go a long way in defining either team's season so I expect both will come out fired up and as such expect a good game.
About us, our D can be good at times but has had some trouble stopping the run but has been much better as of late especially against WVU... Rice did run on us but they pretty much run on everyone. Players to watch here #92 DE Marcus Hands has been really coming on pressuring the QB, the OT for Rice was holding on for dear life much of the game and he still got 2 sacks. #40 MLB Chris Moore team's leading tackler. Defense is for the most part young, when they keep their head and play their assignments they can be tough, but they do tend to play out of control at times. The corners and safeties have been for the most part decent against the pass, but do tend to play soft. The corners while not huge are not short either at 5'11 and 6'1 I expect they will have to play well against that 6'4 fella you guys have.
Off can move the ball, especially through the air. We have had some trouble on the ground at times but teams have been stacking the line and run blitzing forcing us to pass. Players to watch here #7 QB James Pinkney (almost 1300 yards 8TD 2INT) has a good arm and the ability to run when needed, #2 WR Andrae Allison... perhaps one of the best ECU has had in some time, almost 600 yards so far #5 RB Chris Johnson very fast and perhaps most dangerous as a WR as Rice discovered to their detriment. I would not be surprised to see #44 FB Jemarcus Veal get some carries when they need tough yards he was very effective against Rice when used.... at 256lbs a bowling ball. The OL is pretty decent at pass protection as they give up few sacks but shaky in run blocking especially if faced with a stacked front. Also at some point I expect the TE to break out cause it seems he is always open.
We do definately have weaknesses but the coaching staff has done a good job of making adjustments especially for the second half(except against USM
). Coach Holtz is still installing his playbook and new wrinkles emerge each week, so it is sometimes hard even as a fan to figure out what they will do.
You guys are perhaps the most balanced attacking team we have faced as most have been run oriented to date, especially Rice, WVU, and Wake Forest. It will be interesting to see what SMU does on D will they stack the line on us as others have done or focus more on the pass?
Anyway I look for a good game and wish you luck(not to much
) and hope neither team sustains any serious injuries.
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 3:47 pm
