"The hit" is the textbook reason why targeting was introduced. Honestly, that stuff used to happen much more often than it does now. Above and beyond everything else that happened last night, it was decisive. Otherwise: - Cinnci was the quickest and fastest team that ECU has played this year, which is why those downfield pass attempts, in which ECU NEVER had separation, were ill advised, and put them behind the chains unnecessarily on too many occasions. - The kicking issue extends to an inability to kickoff into the end zone. - The Cinnci q wasn't particularly good. ECU has lost 3 games by a total of 6 points; ouch. The American dream is over, but hopefully they'll end up with 8 wins on the regular season, with a tough game upcoming vs. Houston, though with home cooking, and draw a name brand bowl opponent.

Coach Fikel and Byron Threats picture should be displayed in the post office, and on every teams’ bulletin board in the BIG12 conference.

While the Pirates responded to adversity much better than the effort vs Tulane, the first half was mostly played without real focus by the Pirates. Penalties by the offense kept the Pirates behind the chains. The defense, after a fairly solid start, was very lucky Bryant wasn’t dropping dimes with any consistency - it should have been 35-12 at the half. The back half of the defense was overmatched either by talent, scheme, or both. Special Teams once again let the Pirates down, allowing a house call on a kick return which killed the momentum gained by the early safety and fg. AND PLEASE, can we find SOMEONE to be the holder for fg/pa who can spin the damn laces. Yes, the snap was off line, but you practice this type of situation - or you should be - so it is second nature for the holder. If this is the best the Pirates have on the entire roster, well, you get what you pay for, as the old saying goes. The Pirates came out in the third quarter and really took care of business on offense, which put the team in position to finish strong. A dropped pass in the end zone by Cincy kept the Pirates in the game, down the stretch. Otherwise, the second half effort by the defense was much better, keeping Cincy out of the end zone. While they allowed what proved to be a game-winning fig, you’ve got to appreciate the in-game improvement shown by the D. The Pirate offense moved the ball into Cincy territory, where an ill-timed penalty nullified a gained first down and killed the comeback momentum. Gunn did a solid job in place of KM. It does make you wonder about the final outcome, given KM and the o-line appeared to have figured Cincy out. The results of this game will be hard to accept by the Pirates. Most of the real damage to the overall effort/performance by the team was self-inflicted. Let us hope the Pirates can focus on Houston now, and what is still attainable. Here’s hoping KM doesn’t suffer any lingering effects from the kill shot - and it was a kill shot.

The Pirates won that game, plain and simple. Yes, they gave up some big plays and special teams still needs work. But, take away three big plays by the pussycats and the score is way different. They knew they got out played and we’re on the verge of losing their precious home win streak that’s why they took out Deuce, and CJ at the end cause he was schooling them all night. Maybe one way to eliminate those kind of shots is to actually get serious. Maybe take away their ability to make money off their likeness. Or better yet, suspend them for the rest of the season. The whole remove them for a game is a joke and doesn’t get the message across that those hits are dangerous and unnecessary. Still have a chance for a nine win season. Go Pirates! ‍☠️

Go Pirates!!!

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Great to see the continued growth of our proud program right before our eyes. This team and the program are truly now Coach Houston's and they are playing and behaving like the team/program we all hoped we would get when he was hired. The football program had fallen so far, and had a huge hole to dig out of. It has been a tough and long road back with many ups and downs just to get back to being competitive, but we are now seeing the fruits of the staffs hard work and leadership. Keep up the good work Pirates!

Discipline……. Results in zero turnovers, 2 penalties 20yds, BYU 6 for 60 yds! We are second best in the country in fewest penalties. The result of changing the culture. These young men are holding each other accountable, trusting the coaches and each other and are free to fly around and play football. Good job coaches!!!

Did ANYONE watching the knuckleball as it barely cleared the d-line think it had a chance? How fitting an ending was that? Pirate Nation finally came out on the good side of a kick. We’ve seen enough duck hooks and wide-rights to know you take anything that gets through the uprights… and make no apologies for doing so. This morning, I choose not to make comments on the ups and downs of the game, good and bad. Instead, I’m going to enjoy the fact that as I watched the game come down the final stretch, I saw a tired, stressed TEAM figure out a way to first; hang in to even have a chance, and second, close the deal. It wasn’t always pretty, but the effort/results were impressive. Now the Pirates can take a deep breath, maybe take an extra 24 to enjoy this one, heal up, and then continue learning how to be the type of team Coach Houston envisioned. They’re getting close!!!

The team played hard, executed, and generally was in control all night against a really good team and program. This is the type of effort, execution and performance we all would like to see from this team the rest of the way. Great job Pirate players and the coaching staff.

It would be almost impossible to have to award the game ball to someone; a large handful of Pirates stated a case for it in how they played. Coach had said in an early season presser that he has a good team; he can rest his case, based on last night's performance.

This game was the most complete performance by the Pirates this year, and maybe in the Houston era. Not perfect, still work to do in the secondary, but the Pirates showed a consistent level of high performance for the full 4 quarters. Based on how well prepared the Pirates showed themselves to be, I’m not sure the opening drive blown coverage/dropped pass - had it been a TD - would have slowed the team down. HA had his best overall performance of the season. I don’t recall a single forced pass, or bad decision. He took everything UCF was giving him, and his patience was rewarded. Pirates had the answers to almost all of UCF’s efforts. Kudos to the coaching staff and players for the resulting display of a very successful week of preparation. The Pirates made a statement on Saturday night. The team all of us wanted the Pirates to be is still very much alive and kicking. None of the remaining games are out of reach for the Pirate team that played last night.

I loved the game but despise the uniforms. We are purple and gold. We should establish an identity. Alabama has an identity. Oregon wears costumes and has no identity. I don't want East Carolina to get in the costume business. Houston is doing a great job and I hope we can keep him. Go Bucs!

These kids have big hearts! They play hard with discipline. No selfish penalties, we are playing more mature than our actual age. Keep working, the prize is in reach!!

The Pirates showed a ton of courage and competitiveness last night in bringing home the dub for Pirates Nation.