I'd hoped he'd land on his feet, and it looks like he did. Under difficult circumstances, he handled himself with dignity; that much I'll give him. His dossier coming here looked really good, arguably deserving of the big payday, but it never really translated. I was surprised that the administration cut the line when it did; rumors say that patrons really drove it. Based on the immediate results, it was a good move, and someone postulated that they also made the move when they did because they knew he might manage to win the upcoming games vs. poor opposition, which could've made it harder to axe him at a later point. Either way, I think that an icon of the new energy when BH moved into the job was the two-minute drill aggressiveness and success in most of the remaining games, whereas to me MH always looked like he was coaching timidly, not to lose. BH has done great so far, and earned the job, but I'm holding my breath after the significant hits the roster has taken.

One of my good friends who played for ECU from 1969-1973 said he heard Coach Houston say "If I had known the mess this program was in, I would have stayed in Charlotte".

Good for him. Houston is a quality man - silly to say negative stuff about this guy IMO. He inherited a mess and made us competitive again. He set us up for a better future whether you agree or not. Go back and look at the rosters of what he came in to and what he left. Many changes in the landscape while he was coach. Upward and onward! Good for him, Glad for the success of Harrell!! Go Pirates!!

So we had a head coach that really isn’t even a defensive coordinator at a top program.

Great report, Thanks Sammy

Sammy, thanks as always for your breakdown of recruits and returning players. Don't see my old Dentist and your Fraternity Brother, Mike Touloupas since his retirement but if you are ever passing through Burlington and have time maybe we could have lunch. Thanks again.

"Houston will be paid $2.8 million for the remaining two years of his contract." Gulp. ...looks like America already IS great!!

Goooo!

Aarrrgh! Go Pirates!!

What a memorable and well deserved ending to a tumultuous season for the Pirates; congrats and well deserved most especially to Rahjai Harris, whose dedication to his craft was rewarded in Annapolis after climbing the mountain of his ACL injury. He was trending upward the latter part of the season, as was the OL in front of him, and I was actually expecting him to have a big game, though not necessarily the utterly legendary game that he played. The defense too was monstrous once again. Thank God for Harris' 86 yard signature run most especially given the referees' MONUMENTAL miscall of the ECU scoop and score shortly before it, an inarguably blown call of game reversing proportions at the time. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY THAT WAS NOT REVIEWED?? THE WHISTLE HAD NOT BLOWN WHEN THE STATE FUMBLE OCCURRED. Coach Harrell has plenty of work before him to rebuild the roster for next season, but Houser would seem to have done enough at least to have the Q spot locked down, and I like the way the OC exploited his running ability yesterday, also a huge difference maker in the game; but mostly there's lots of hope that Coach has restored a winning culture. Go Pirates!!

Get a life.

Congratulations to the Pirates for overcoming themselves, and finishing off the season with a bang! Typical of the season, the Pirates had to mix some bad play in with the good. Fortunately, there was more good than bad. So happy for RH. What a way to finish your career with the Pirates. No question about it, this is Blake Harrell’s team, now. Whether the Pirates can successfully navigate the minefield that is today’s college football remains to be seen. As to the ugliness that marred the ending of the game, there has to be serious consequences for the players who disrespected their schools. For me, #61 for the Pirates should be dismissed from the team. A replay showed him being the cause of an injury to a game official. The ugly ending aside, what a great way to end a tumultuous season.

There has to be limitations on this stuff. One transfer in a career, out of conference, and then u r done. And the portal should NOT be open until after the bowls!! No loyalty anymore. ECU gave you a chance to become a better player. It’s me me me now. Even the NFL has better regulations with cap and a draft. This is just a joke!

Imagine the 91 Peach Bowl now. Blake probably sits out along with Jones. Our CUSA title probably doesn’t happen with Chris Johnson on the sideline decked out in gold chains.

Imagine the 91 Peach Bowl now. Blake probably sits out along with Jones. Our CUSA title probably doesn’t happen with Chris Johnson on the sideline decked out in gold chains.