PRE-GAME ANALYSIS
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Keys to the
Game
Friday,
November 11, 2011
By Kevin Monroe |
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East Carolina at Texas-El Paso
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011 • 8 p.m.
Sun Bowl Stadium (51,500), El Paso, TX
Television: WITN/TWEP
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For the sixth
straight year, Kevin Monroe, color analyst for the Pirate ISP Sports
Radio Network, provides “Kevin’s Keys to The Game,”
his weekly breakdown of what East Carolina must do to beat its
upcoming opponent.
Monroe brings a unique perspective to the task as a
member of the broadcast team and as a former star defensive
back for the Pirates (1995-99). |
©2011 Bonesville.net
All Rights Reserved.
East
Carolina can defeat Texas-El Paso Saturday night if it achieves these key objectives:
BE
SPECIAL
The Pirates will face one of the nation’s top punters and kickoff returners
at the Sun Bowl Saturday night. UTEP ranks second nationally with a
42.6-yard net punting average. Punter Ian Campbell is the nation’s top
punter, averaging 47.6 yards per punt. Vernon Frazier is one of the best in
the country at returning kicks. Frazier has 709 kickoff return yards this
season, which ranks 5th in school history. He has had a return of 40 yards
or more in 6 of the last 9 games. The Miners rank 2nd nationally with 27.6
yards per return.
Last week the Pirates struggled in their own punting game and kickoff return
games. ECU had a punt blocked and another returned for a touchdown. On
kickoff returns, receiver Michael Bowman just hasn’t shown that burst of
speed that everyone expects from him. Derek Harris came in late and looked
good returning his only opportunity. East Carolina will have to be solid in
all phases of the kicking game in order to be successful against the Miners.
PROTECT THE FOOTBALL
East Carolina’s offense gives opposing defenses plenty of opportunities for
takeaways. The number of times the ball gets put in the air and the number
of different offensive players that touch the ball open the door to
potential turnovers. Tipped balls and inexperienced ball handlers are the
main causes of these turnovers. That being said, its no excuse to turn the
ball over. Last week’s 90-plus yard interception return for a touchdown
changed the whole complexion of the game and really deflated the Pirates.
ECU now has given up 14 interceptions and 13 fumbles for a mind-blowing 27
total turnovers.
THE BIG
PLAY
Special teams is one way that the Miners get their big plays. Twenty-seven
of their 72 big plays this season have come in the kickoff return game.
Offensively, quarterback Nick Lamaison and wide receiver Mike Edwards are a
deadly, quick-striking duo. Of UTEP's 30 touchdowns this season, most
resulted from drives of less than 2 minutes. They have placed touchdowns on
the board early in four of there last five games. UTEP has four wide
receivers averaging more than 15 yards per reception and two backs averaging
more than 7 yards per carry. They live on the big play and the Pirates can’t
afford to give up big plays on Saturday.
BOTTOM LINE
It’s going
to take 2 more victories for East Carolina to become bowl eligible. That is
the number one goal for the Pirates right now. Having those wins means they
would finish at least .500 in the regular season, keep their bowl streak
alive and earn the opportunity to get a month of extra practices for the
freshman and sophomores. This trip to the far western reaches of Texas is
long and draining, but the players have to remember that this is a business
trip and not a vacation. Their focus has to be on playing hard and fighting
until the end of the game to get a nice road victory.
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11/11/2011 01:54:48 AM
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