Keys to the Game Saturday, September 20, 2014 By Kevin Monroe

East Carolina vs. North Carolina

Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium (cap. 50,000); TV: ESPNU

By Kevin Monroe
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The East Carolina Pirates return home to Dowdy-Ficklen today to face in-state rival UNC-Chapel Hill. Every time these programs match up, it is a big game for both teams. This year the Tar Heels opened the season in the top 25. The Pirates are their first real test after wins over Liberty and San Diego State.

ECU, as usual, is fighting for respect. After a win over N.C. Central in the opener, the Pirates went on the road to South Carolina and Virginia Tech and played well against two of the nation’s top teams, going 1-1.

This game will help to add validation to the winner. The Pirates must perform well in some key aspects of the game in order to prevail.

TRENCH WARFARE

The Pirates have to win the battle up front on both offense and defense. Defensively, ECU faced one of the top offensive lines in the country two weeks ago against South Carolina and held their own. Last week, with the return of big Terry Williams, the defensive line played even better and held 17th-ranked Virginia Tech to 7 first half points and 21 for the game. This was just a week after the Hokies put up 38 points in defeating No. 8 Ohio State. Offensively, ECU has run the ball well and protected Shane Carden even better through three weeks. VPI defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s unit pressured Carden some, but the senior QB was still able to get off some clutch passes, throw for 3 touchdowns and run for a score. The Tar heels have a very inexperienced offensive line with one junior, three sophomores and a freshman. The Pirates must attack that unit from beginning to end. The Heels are more experienced on the defensive line and have 10 tackles for loss and 2 sacks through the first two games.

RUSH THE PASSER

UNC quarterback Marquise Williams became the starter during the course of last season and has proven to be a winner ever since. The junior is a dual threat who has rushed for and thrown a touchdown in five games in his career. The Pirates will need to pressure Williams, but they must make sure they are disciplined in the rush lanes because Williams can hurt you with his feet. He is currently the leading rusher for the Heels, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He has only been sacked once this season, but he has been rushed into some quick decisions and has thrown 2 interceptions.

BIG PLAY MAGIC

North Carolina has big play threats on offense other than Williams. Kick returner/wide receiver Ryan Switzer led the nation last season in return touchdowns. He has been bottled up so far in 2014, averaging 6.8 yards per punt return — but it only takes on play to break open a game. He is also the Tar Heels' top receiving threat with 14 catches through two games. Running backs T.J. Logan and Elijah Hood are explosive threats that the Pirates will need to contain. Receivers Quinshad Davis, Bug Howard and Mack Hollins can also strike for big plays. The Pirates will have to be sound with their coverage and tackling in the backend to keep from giving the Heels momentum. Offensively, ECU has a ton of big play receivers and a stable of capable running backs —  just staying the course and stepping up when their name is called could lead to breakaway plays today.

BOTTOM LINE

The renewal of this grudge match is a headline-grabbing event in the media. You can believe the Tar Heels will be taking the Pirates seriously year after giving up 55 points and losing big in Chapel Hill last year. The Heels will be approaching the game as a measuring stick to see where they are in this young season. The Pirates want to prove to the nation that they are better than advertised.

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PAGE UPDATED 09/20/14 03:49 PM.