News, Analysis and Opinion from Bonesville's Denny O'Brien

Pirate Notebook No. 139
Saturday, August 30, 2003

By Denny O'Brien
Staff Writer and Columnist

Though wins and losses are only a small portion of the formula that will determine East Carolina's future conference fate, it is the primary factor over which the Pirates have control. If ever an opportunity existed to make a statement to Big East officials — who reportedly are targeting Louisville and Cincinnati, not ECU — it would have to be Monday.

Not only is it the first game of the season and the inauguration of the John Thompson era, it is the chance to improve the overall record against Cincinnati to 13-3, re-affirming the Pirates' dominance over a program for which they potentially will be passed over in the realignment derby.

Of particular note, it's a chance to send a message on national television (noon, ESPN). What better message to send to Big East presidents — who will have a vested interest in the game's outcome — than to demonstrate that the help they're looking for to shore up their football power quotient is conveniently located straight down I-95?

The truth is, winning is the only option for an East Carolina program that suddenly finds itself backed into a corner. The pressure under which the Pirates currently reside isn't so much about producing a winner in '03 as it is to help ensure a prosperous future for ECU's bread-and-butter program.

It just so happens that the two go hand-in-hand. And historically, this is just the type of scenario — ECU versus World — in which East Carolina always seems to perform best.

During the 90s, it was a repetitious storyline. A vastly underrated East Carolina team which struggles for respect and a Top 25 mention secures the spotlight with a victory over a higher-profile foe.

In 1991, the so-called brand-name foes fell like dominoes. A three-year span from '94-'96 saw the Pirates slay a punch list of gridiron Goliaths. Then in 1999, while facing adversity of Biblical proportions, East Carolina pulled the ultimate Rocky Balboa upset with its 15th-round knockout of No. 9 Miami.

Now, it is paramount that the Pirates add an inspiring new chapter to their blue-collar history.

True, Cincinnati football is far from fancy cars and diamond rings, but it does have the luxury of riding the coattails of an elite basketball program, not to mention its geographic location in a metropolitan area. A victory over the Bearcats would not only suggest that ECU has not let its pigskin profile slip, but also that none of the ingredients of the expansion formula can dilute the importance of quality football and strong tradition.

While a loss Monday wouldn't be the final dagger in the Pirates' purple heart, it could very well set the tone for a season in which the schedule is unforgiving. Facing a West Virginia program that quickly has turned the corner will be difficult enough following only four days of rest.

Preparing for the Mountaineers — with whom ECU aspires to associate annually in the Big East — after a loss would magnify the task of delivering a home-opening victory. That goes without mentioning a trip the following week to national title contender Miami, which is a much different program than the one the Pirates blew out in the Orange Bowl in '96.

The last thing East Carolina needs now is an 0-3 start, especially considering Big East boss Mike Tranghese hopes his entourage of league presidents will unite on a direction early this fall. A victory over Cincinnati would eliminate the possibility of a worst-case scenario this season, while also enhancing the Pirates' image for the future.

Traditionally, ECU has been viewed as a program that approaches each game with everything to gain and nothing to lose.

If East Carolina wants to better its case for Big East inclusion, this is one game it simply can't afford to lose.

If Cincinnati is to successfully defend its share of the 2002 Conference USA crown, it must do so without a host of high-profile performers. Gone from last season's squad are several of the school's all-time best at their respective positions, and replacing them, Bearcats coach Rick Minter says, won't be easy.

"We lost as many producers, and playmakers, and career stat guys as anybody in the league," he said. "We lost rushes, and catches, and receptions, and touchdowns, and sacks, and interceptions. We lost career guys.

All eyes will be on the running back position, vacated by record-setting rusher DeMarco McCleskey, who last season piled up 1,361 yards on the ground. Also gone are a pair of record holders on defense, defensive back Blue Adams and sack artist Antwan Peek.

But perhaps the toughest void to fill will be at receiver, where Cincinnati lost a trio of thoroughbreds who combined for 174 catches and 2,618 yards last season.

"John Olinger, Tye Keith, and LeDaris Vann were our best receivers," Minter said. "We didn't play hardly anybody else other than George Murray just a little bit.

"Now it's going to be Derrick Ross, George Murray, and Kevin Hazel. Are they going to be Olinger, Keith and Vann? I would predict no, particularly early. But neither were those guys good when they first played."

If there is one field general in the league who can compensate for the loss of almost his entire supporting cast, it is the Bearcats' bluegrass bomber.

"Here's a guy that, when you look at his stats, he can be a very streaky passer," ECU coach John Thompson said. "He's a very confident guy.

"I think he takes on the personality of his coach a lot. I've known Rick Minter for a long time and have a lot of respect for him. I think that whole team takes on his confidence, not only Rick's but Gino's also, and you can see that they expect to win."

That generally happens when he doesn't turn the ball over. Though a hero most of the time, Guidugli also has proven a goat. In addition to his 3,543 yards passing and 22 touchdowns last season, Guidugli also threw 21 interceptions, tops in C-USA.

"Their offense starts with their quarterback," Thompson said. "We've got to find a way to get him out of sync, whether it's controlling the running game or doing some things different in the passing game to create a little bit of doubt in his mind.

"He cannot have a good football game for us to be successful. I've been very impressed with him and he's a big-time quarterback."