Bonesville Mobile Alpha Rev. 2.1a*
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East Carolina vs. N.C. Central Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium (cap. 50,000);TV: ESPNN
By
Kevin Monroe The first game of the year is all about fundamentals. No matter the season, the coach or the players, there are certain things that have to happen the first game of the year in order for a team to win. Strategy and schematics are important, but none of that matters without blocking, tackling and protecting the ball. If East Carolina wants to open the season with a victory tonight over the North Carolina Central Eagles, it must execute effectively in some key facets of the game. MANAGING TURNOVERS The Pirates must take care of the football while on offense. Quarterback Shane Carden has a host of talented receivers led by senior standout Justin Hardy. Throwing and catching seems easy enough, but this will be ECU's first test of the season and the Eagles are sure to show them a few disguises on defense that they haven't seen in the preseason. Defensively, the Pirates will need to force NCCU into a minimum of 3 turnovers. The Eagles will have a pair of talented quarterbacks, junior college transfer Quinn Billerman and sophomore Malcolm Bell, at the controls of a spread offense similar to the one employed by the Pirates. Senior running back Andre Clark is a big, athletic runner who could cause problems for ECU. Getting a good rush up front will be the key to forcing turnovers. CONTROLLING THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE The Pirates are big and strong on the defensive line behind Chrishon Rose, Freddy Pressley and others who will need to get a great push to free up linebackers Montese Overton and Maurice Falls to rush the quarterback. When ECU has the ball, the offensive line must prime the running game by opening up holes for running backs Breion Allen and Chris Hairston. BLOCKING AND TACKLING Football at it's most basic core is all about blocking and tackling. The team the maintains its blocks up front and secures it's tackles down field will win the football game. This will be the first live test for either team and these fundamentals will set the tone for the matchup. BOTTOM LINE The Pirates will be double-digit favorites and should cruise if they take care of the football, take command of the trenches and focus on fundamentals. It should be a great night in The Fick. PAGE UPDATED 08/30/14 01:29 AM. |
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