PRE-GAME ANALYSIS
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Keys to the
Game
Friday,
November 28, 2008
By Kevin Monroe |
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UTEP at East Carolina
Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, 1 p.m.
Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville
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Each week, Kevin Monroe, color analyst for the Pirate ISP Sports
Radio Network, provides “Kevin’s Keys to The Game,”
outlining what East Carolina must do to beat its opponent.
Monroe brings a unique perspective to the task, not only as a
member of the broadcast team, but also as a former defensive
back for the Pirates (1995-99). |
©2008 Bonesville.net
All Rights Reserved.
East
Carolina can defeat Texas-El Paso if it accomplishes these key objectives:
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Turnovers Matter
If you have read my keys to the game before, you know that turnovers are
usually a mainstay. After last week's disappointing five-turnover effort
by the Pirate offense, they will have to take better care of the ball
against the Miners. Over the last three weeks, East Carolina has a
minus-6 turnover ratio. The Pirates have fumbled the ball four times and
thrown six interceptions during that span.
Winning the UAB game after turning the ball over five times was a
testament to how well the ECU defense has been playing. It also provides
some insight as to how bad UAB was on offense. UTEP doesn’t turn the
ball over much and it has a plus-14 turnover ratio (26 takeaways in 11
games). Losing the turnover battle to the Miners will probably mean a
loss for the Pirates.
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Defend the Pass
UTEP quarterback Trevor Vittatoe is one of the best
passers in the country. He was very impressive against the Pirates last
season in El Paso, going 38-55 for 409 yards and 3 touchdowns. Through
11 games this season, he has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards and 31
touchdowns. Vittatoe spreads the ball around and has completed passes to
17 different receivers. Eight of his receivers have at least 10 catches,
led by Kris Adams and Jeff Moturi who have 13 and 9 touchdowns,
respectively.
ECU's Emanuel Davis, Travis Simmons, and Dekota Marshall have played
much better from their corner positions over the last few weeks and they
will need to do so again on Friday. It will take a total team defensive
effort to slow down the Miners' air attack. The front four will need to
pressure Vittatoe in the hopes he will throw an interception.
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Establish The Run
The Pirates have been unable to run the football over the last couple of
weeks. J.R. Rogers had a decent day last week but Norman Whitley hasn’t
had much room to run anywhere lately. The Miners are giving up almost
200 yards rushing per game and 19 rushing touchdowns. If ECU can get the
running game going early, it will open up the passing game and keep the
ball out of the hands of Vittatoe.
Losing Jonathan Williams was a non-issue until recently when defenses
started keying on Whitley. The Pirates need to get that running game
back on track.
The
Bottom Line
East Carolina has locked up its first ever appearance in the Conference USA
championship game. This game means very little in the major scheme of
things, but it is important that the Pirates finish on a good note heading
into next week’s title game. Conversely, a win by the Miners could also mean
something in terms of bowl positions for the conference because UTEP would
become bowl-eligible. It will take another solid defensive performance from
the Pirates to win this game, but it will also take a much better offensive
and kicking performance.
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11/28/2008 12:47:44 AM
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