Confidence and momentum are valuable commodities in college football this time of year. East Carolina should have some of both going to Marshall on Saturday after a 38-31 win over visiting Central Florida in a bowl-eligibility elimination game.

"It was a big win for us as a program," said Pirates coach Ruffin McNeill. "You go through some adversity and you lose some tough games. You're right in some games until you make some mistakes to not win 'em. Then you're able to come back and fight as hard as we did.

"We were facing a team on Saturday that had the same sights that we did. It's the same this Saturday versus Marshall. To win that one was very big for us and to do it as a team. Some parts of the team had to do a job. The kickoff team gave up a big return, which wasn't a positive, but our defense was able to go out. We had to hold 'em and we did. The offense had to drive down and get a score and they did. There were some things you can build on and we'll need that this week.

"I was very happy for the seniors. For those guys to go out with a win in their last competitive outing in Dowdy-Ficklen was big. Those kids told the team when they talked to them that they were happy for the win but they were happy for the program because they helped the program win this game. That's the attitude those kids have. Emanuel (Davis), (Cliff) Perryman and (Doug) Polochak. I could just go down the line — all those kids that I hugged coming out. Those kids felt good for the win for themselves but they were happy for the program. I think it will carry over to this week."

It's like every game is Senior Night now because nobody wants to end up their career with a loss.

"It'll be Senior Night for them but it will be Senior Night for us, too," McNeill said. "We have to make sure we play well. We have to be very sound and just play relentless. We have to put it all on the line because it is all on the line. We know that. For some people, it's highly intimidating but for me I'm looking forward to it to see how our team responds. Sunday was a great practice. My first inclination was because the kids were excited and looking forward to it."

One key for ECU is to continue playing hard.

"We have to execute well on offense, defense and special teams," McNeill said. " ... Make sure we understand what Marshall does on offense, defense and special teams. Make sure we take care of the ball on offense and take it away on defense. Play smart and understand situations of the game. Like the other night, we needed a touchdown to win the game. Drive it, drive it, drive it. Get a score. Those kind of things.

"Defense — you're in a backed-up situation. Tough duty. Rise up, step up — keep 'em out of the end zone. Fourth down, no matter what it is. Goal line stands. Those kind of things. Understand situations."

Six is the magic number

You don't need to be a math major or a BCS computer analyst to know that 5-7 is vastly different from 6-6 for the Pirates and Thundering Herd this week. Both teams are 5-6 going into the regular season finale, one win shy of the six wins needed for bowl eligibility. ECU is looking for its sixth straight bowl trip.

A bowl trip is a plus for the entire program, It allows extra practices which help in the development of players. It is a reward for a lot of hard work during the course of the year. It gives the program additional exposure, which is beneficial in recruiting.

It is something significant for which to play, a much better situation than having nothing but pride or a spoiler role to close the season.

The advance weather forecast for Huntington, WV, for Saturday is calling for cloudy skies and a high of 63 degrees. Those are nice conditions and ECU will have the opportunity to play another game in possibly even better weather.

Webster has surgery

Freshman Danny Webster, who started the season as a wideout and subsequently saw some time at running back after a series of injuries to other personnel, sustained a knee injury against UCF. He had surgery Wednesday. The Pirates also will be without standout receiver Lance Lewis. Injuries have been an unfortunate aspect of the season for the Pirates. At the same time, running back Torrance Hunt and receiver Reese Wiggins are among those who have stepped up when given the opportunity.

Linebacker Justin Dixon also hurt a knee last week and will be out. He was able to push through to the end of the UCF game. Linebacker Jacob Geary also went out against the Knights and is expected to miss the Marshall game. Linebacker Kyle Tudor is apparently out. Running back Reggie Bullock's issue is one of pain tolerance with a bruised thigh.

"We got Adhem Elsawi back at right (offensive) tackle last week," McNeill said. "That was a big boost for us. That gave us some continuity up front, along with Will Simmons, Josh Clark, Jordan Davis and Steven Baker. That makes us feel good going into the game."

Offensive lineman Grant Harner has been limited in practice but has not been ruled out this week.

Thanksgiving meal

The Pirates had a Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday with the coaches and their families. Practice has been earlier in the day with classes out for the holiday break. There will be a workout Friday morning before ECU leaves for the game.

The ECU head coach said he had been to Marshall numerous times when he was on staff at Appalachian State.

"They have a great fan base, like we do here, that supports the team," McNeill said. "You usually have a very excited crowd when you go to the stadium."

Some of the Herd's student fans may be home for Thanksgiving.

ECU spanks Apps

Pirates basketball coach Jeff Lebo played program veterans Darrius Morrow, Robert Sampson, Corvonn Gaines and Erin Sraughn with Missouri point guard transfer Miguel Paul for the majority of minutes in a 67-47 win over Appalachian State in Charlotte on Tuesday night.

ECU's lone loss, 76-74 at Campbell on Nov. 14, doesn't look as bad in light of the Camels' subsequent accomplishments. A 77-61 win at Iowa on Wednesday night moved Campbell to 5-0.

Baseball signees to be released

ECU is scheduled to release its baseball signing class on Saturday, according to Malcolm Gray, assistant director of athletics media relations. The Pirates have been waiting on all of the paper work for one signee in order to comply with NCAA regulations.

Baseball America's signing class rankings include Southern Miss at No. 3 nationally, N.C. State at No. 4 and North Carolina at No. 20.

State Line Power Rankings™

1. South Carolina ... The Gamecocks moved up after Clemson stumbled at N.C. State.

2. Clemson ... The Tigers go head to head with coach Steve Spurrier's program on Saturday night.

3. (tie) North Carolina ... Tar Heels waged a battle before getting edged at Virginia Tech.

3. (tie) N.C State ... Wolfpack rises up against Clemson and looks to keep it going against Maryland.

3. (tie) Wake Forest ... Deacs get to six wins versus Maryland and can improve bowl resume against Vandy.

6. East Carolina ... Pirates are looking to validate their bowl credentials with a victory at Marshall.

7. Duke ... A short trip to Chapel Hill ends a long season for the Blue Devils.