Keys to the Game Friday, August 31, 2012 By Kevin Monroe

ECU vs. Appalachian State
Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012 • 12 Noon
Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium (cap. 50,000)
Television: Fox Sports Network

By Kevin Monroe
©2012 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.

East Carolina can defeat Appalachian State on Saturday if it achieves these key objectives:

ESTABLISH THE RUN

The Pirates have rotated several running backs throughout the offseason and preseason trying to find just the right mix. Coach Ruffin McNeil has always said that, because of the fast-paced nature of this offensive scheme, he and the offensive staff believe they need a running back-by-committee lineup. They feel like they have that now with Michael Dobson, Reggie Bullock and transfer Vintavious Cooper. Those three plus Hunter Furr and freshman Chris Hairston have been the guys fighting for the right to carry the rock this season. With a new starting quarterback at the helm, it will be important to get the running game going early against App State. This will force the Mountaineers to respect the run as much as the pass.

DON'T GIVE UP THE BIG PLAY

Appalachian State, behind head coach Jerry Moore, has plenty of big play potential. Last season the Pirates gave up 45 big plays, an average of 3.8 plays per game that went for 20 yards or more. The Mountaineers will be outmatched in this game when it comes to size and talent, but big plays are the great equalizer. The App State offense will be led by quarterback Jamal Jackson who through for 15 touchdowns and rushed for another 7 last season. His dual threat ability will put lots of pressure on East Carolina’s defense.

PLAY A SOLID KICKING GAME

ECU will start a new punter and kicker this season for the first time in a few years. The place-kicking duties will be handled by sophmore Warren Harvey and the punting by Trent Tignor. Field goal kickers should make two of every three they attempt or 66.7 percent. Last season they were accurate on 12 of 17 for better than 70 percent. Punters should average more than 35 yards per punt with significant hang time (approximately four seconds). The Pirates averaged 39.8 yards per punt last season. These new kickers don’t have to be extraordinary, they just need to perform up to the status quo and avoid making negative plays that could hurt the team.

GET THE BALL TO THE PLAYMAKERS

Receivers Justin Hardy, Derrick Harris and Reese Wiggins, just to name a few, are guys that can make a short catch and turn it into a long touchdown run. The more opportunities to get those guys the football the better for the Pirates. Both Hardy and Harris will also handle the kick return duties. It's games like these when the playmakers can take over if given the opportunity. New starting QB Rio Johnson will have a stable of quality receivers to throw the ball to — he just needs to get rid of the ball quickly and accurately and let those guys do all the work.

BOTTOM LINE

If East Carolina successfully carries out these four strategies on Saturday, it will win the game. Considering that Appalachian State is a very worthy opponent, a failure by the Pirates to execute the plan or to protect the football could result in a loss. With two spread offenses pitted against two 3-4 defenses, this one has the potential to be fun for the fans to watch. And let's not forget to mention the intense in-state exposure the final outcome will receive.

E-mail Kevin Monroe.

PAGE UPDATED 09/02/12 07:32 AM.