PRE-GAME ANALYSIS
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Keys to the
Game
Friday,
September 9, 2011
By Kevin Monroe |
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East Carolina vs. Virginia Tech
Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, 3:30 p.m.
Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC
TV: Fox Sports Net
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For the sixth
straight year, Kevin Monroe, color analyst for the Pirate ISP Sports
Radio Network, provides “Kevin’s Keys to The Game,”
his weekly breakdown of what East Carolina must do to beat its
upcoming opponent.
Monroe brings a unique perspective to the task as a
member of the broadcast team and as a former star defensive
back for the Pirates (1995-99). |
©2011 Bonesville.net
All Rights Reserved.
East
Carolina can defeat Virginia Tech on Saturday if it accomplishes these key objectives:
WIN THE
TURNOVER BATTLE
The
Pirates dominated the first 25 minutes of the game against South Carolina.
They offense moved the ball while the defense held the Gamecocks scoreless
and forced 4 turnovers. Those takeaways came on 4 first by USC. The second
half was completely different, The ECU offense turned the ball over 4 times
and South Carolina seized control of the flow of the game with 28 points in
the third quarter. When the Gamecocks were forced to drive the ball the
length of the field for a score, the Pirate defense stood strong and forced
a punt or a turnover. But every time USC was given a short field because of
a turnover, the result was a touchdown. With Virginia Tech having the same
quick strike ability on offense as South Carolina, losing the turnover
battle on Saturday will make it very tough for ECU to win.
STRETCH THE FIELD
East
Carolina's offense is built on a short passing game that is used to open up
the running game and set up the deep ball. Last week versus the Gamecocks,
quarterback Dominique Davis averaged only 6 yard per completion and ECU
struggled to stretch the field. Star receiver Lance Lewis was single-covered
most of the game but because of the intense pass rush by the USC front four,
Davis was unable to exploit the matchup and throw the ball down field. It
won’t be any easier against the Hokies. Virginia Tech, which had 3
interceptions last week against Appalachian State, also has a stout pass
rush. With Lewis continuing to be a prime target and the deep receiving
receiving corps bolstered by the return of Michael Bowman and the emergence
of talented newcomer Justin Hardy, the Pirates have the ability to create
great one-on-one matchups and throw the deep ball. A few big plays by ECU
can change the complexion of the game.
CONTAIN
DAVID WILSON
Virginia Tech running back David Wilson is a dynamic offensive player who
scored on the first play from scrimmage in last week’s game against
Appalachian State. ECU coach Ruffin McNeill pointed out this week that
“Wilson is a great football player who also runs track.” Wilson runs a 4.29
in the 40-yard dash and can turn a short gain into a big play in the blink
of an eye. He rushed for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns in week one. The Hokies
have other threats on offense with quarterback Logan Thomas and wide
receivers Marcus Davis and Dyrell Roberts, just to name a few. If the
Pirates can contain Wilson and force Thomas into 3rd and long situations,
they'll have a much better chance of beating the Hokies.
THE
BOTTOM LINE
For the second week in a row, the Pirates have their work cut out for them
on Saturday. Virginia Tech is ranked No. 11 and has another stacked team
offensively and defensively. The only question mark is the quarterback,
Thomas, who played behind Tyrod Taylor for two years before taking the helm
this season. He only completed 47% of his passes last week, but the great
running by Wilson took pressure away from Thomas. If the Pirates can protect
the ball on offense while getting a big play or two, contain the run and
keep from giving up the big play in the kicking game, they have a chance to
beat Virginia Tech.
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09/09/2011 03:22:31 AM
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