PRE-GAME ANALYSIS
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Keys to the
Game
Saturday,
September 24, 2011
By Kevin Monroe |
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East Carolina vs. UAB
Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, 3:30 p.m.
Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, NC
TV: WITN
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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 UAB on Saturday if it achieves these key objectives:
LEAP
AHEAD EARLY
The
East Carolina offense is known for jumping on opponents in the first quarter
before they can figure out the Air Raid offensive scheme. Most teams find
themselves down 2-3 touchdowns before they know what hit them. At that
point, the Pirates either mash the gas pedal and speed off to a 50-point day
or they stall and let teams back in the game. Through two games this season,
East Carolina has taken the early lead, but the offense hasn’t been stellar.
The
Virginia Tech game was a real setback, because even though the Hokies are
perennially a top-ranked team, the Pirates have always found a way to put
points on the board. Only one touchdown from this offense won’t get it done.
Dominique Davis completed only 20 passes at a 52 percent clip with no
touchdowns and 127 yards, easily the lowest output of his ECU career.
The
running game behind the new offensive line has only produced 35 yards per
game. Even though the Pirates deploy a pass-first offense, it makes things
easier if they can establish some type of run game.
CONTROL THE LINE OF
SCRIMMAGE
East
Carolina’s offensive line is the third youngest (based on starts) in the
nation. The unit held its own against a stout defensive line from South
Carolina, but started to show its age and experience against Virginia Tech.
The Hokies were able to put tons of pressure on Dominique Davis and stifle
the running game as well. It was the first negative rushing day I can
remember as a player or commentator. UAB has allowed 88 points and 1,052
yards of offense through two games. East Carolina needs to make its presence
up front felt early and drive the Blazers off the ball.
Defensively, the Pirates have looked good, but they could ramp up the
pressure on the quarterback. Through two games, they have 7 QB hurries and
only one sack.
BE
SOLID IN THE BACK END
East Carolina's pass defense in the early season has surprised everyone but
the coaching staff with its excellent performance. After facing two top 12
teams, the Pirates are allowing only 111 yards per game through the air and
have given up only 1 touchdown pass. Last week’s return of their best cover
man, Emanuel Davis, only made the Pirates better.
The one way the Blazers can beat East Carolina is by making big plays
through the air. With only 11 starts under his belt, quarterback Bryan Ellis
has already moved into fourth place among UAB's all-time passing yardage
leaders. Even though the Blazers have yet to score an offensive touchdown
this season, Ellis has connected with 9 different receivers for 286 yards in
two games. Nick Adams, a speedy wide receiver, tallied UAB's only TD to date
on a kick return. Jackie Williams and Patrick Hearn are also very good
wideouts that the Pirates will need to be all over on Saturday.
THE
BOTTOM LINE
It's still early in the season and a lot can happen over the next 10 weeks,
but it is vital for East Carolina to win this game. The Pirates were given a
pass by the fans because they were outmatched in the first two contests.
That won't be the case this week as ECU is the better team and is playing at
home. Losing can be contagious. Getting into the win column will turn this
season back in the right direction.
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Kevin Monroe.
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archives.
09/24/2011 03:27:33 AM
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