DAILY REPORT: FILED WEDNESDAY EVENING, DEC. 29, 2010

KEY LINKS:  Daily Report...  Photo Blog...  Audio Clips...  Day-by-Day...

Pirates fail to answer the bell

WNCT-TV 9 Sports Director Brian Bailey was on the scene in Washington, DC, bringing daily coverage of bowl week to Bonesville's readers and Channel 9's viewers. The week climaxed on Wednesday with East Carolina's Military Bowl showdown with Maryland.

Related Items of Interest Postgame Audio: Coach Ruff and Players Setback will be forgotten in 2011 Pirates fail to answer the bell Military Bowl Report & Photo Gallery No.4 ECU-Maryland Box Score Audio: Chris Johnson at the Military Bowl Luncheon Kevin's Keys to the Game Defense out to save face against Terps A game of beginnings and ends Military Bowl Report & Photo Gallery No.3 Audio: Coaches McNeill & Friedgen and Players Weather, layoff not a concern for Ruff Pirates apply finishing touches in the cold Military Bowl Report & Photo Gallery No. 2 Audio: Ruffin McNeill after Sunday practice Pirates brave cold for Sunday workout Military Bowl Report & Photo Gallery No. 1 East Carolina's wise men size up Terps

By Brian Bailey

WASHINGTON, DC — East Carolina and Maryland didn't hook up during Military Bowl week until the official luncheon the day before the game. According to several players, the two teams almost came to blows just after that luncheon.

That emotion spilled into game day, where the teams had to be separated during pregame warm-ups.

One ECU coach told me the Terrapin players didn't respect the Pirates at all. That same coach was hoping that the Pirates would earn that respect in the Military Bowl.

Unfortunately, all of that emotion was lost in a sea of penalties and turnovers. East Carolina finally got the offense cranked up in the second half, but then it was too late.

This is a powerful Pirate offense if it doesn't get penalized. It is not an offense designed to pick up first downs when it takes 15 and 20 yards to move the chains. Fifteen penalties and four turnovers made it impossible to win this game.

"We talked about execution," said ECU coach Ruffin McNeill after the 51-20 loss to the Terrapins. "I thought we would be much better, especially on offense."

The Pirates finish at 6-7 in Ruffin McNeill's first year. That's the danger that accompanies a 6-6 record going into a bowl game.

It's really hard to believe the football season is over. The work for next year begins next week.

Dominique Davis looks forward to his senior season.

"We will have to build on this loss," he said. "It starts with winter conditioning and I know this team will work hard."

I'm sure it was a long bus ride home on Wednesday night.

Content: Brian Bailey. ©2010 Bonesville.net and WNCT-TV 9. All rights reserved.