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.

Congratulations to the Pirates. It wasn’t always pretty, but after spotting Memphis 17, the collective team effort was simply great. Following a dismal effort against Tulane, this is the kind of win that can cure a lot of ills. There are numerous positives to carry forward, as well as some “cleanups” that need to be addressed. Now that it is beyond obvious Ahlers is playing with a significant amount of pain, even on his good days, maybe a change in format is in order. I would like to see some play-action scheme worked in to the mix vs RPO. Ahlers under center, using both 2-step and full drop backs off of the run/fake could be very effective. It would also allow Mitchell/Gunn a quick, downhill plunge on run plays. I’m not sure if the o-line can block those schemes, but it might be worth a try. The d-line has to be the highlight of the season thus far. The pressure on Henigan was THE key for the comeback. Going forward, I hope the secondary can tighten up on third down to match the line play. Not having anyone who can be a lockdown pass defender means a lot of soft zone, resulting in a lot of embarrassingly long pass completions. This is nit picking, I know, but can we just accept the touchbacks or fair catches on our kickoff receptions? You’ve got no time to lolly gag, regardless of how fast you are. When you do delay, you more than likely put the offense in the whole, from the get-go. After choosing to receive the kickoff, you intend to make a statement - not a fizzle. Beginning on the 12 yard line didn’t help. Bottom line, the Pirates played extremely hard, and were rewarded for it. Coach made some changes, and the team was rewarded for it. All of this while under duress. Not a bad way to begin the second half of the season.

The d-line looked really good; otherwise, with the exception of a couple of very solid individual performances, it was a poor showing in general. As far as the kicking's concerned, they may be at a point where Houston has to consider attempting the conversion after every TD; a 40% success rate would be no worse than where they are now. Based on the way this season has gone, I see only a single "should win" game remaining, their last vs. Temple. ECU is the dog in all of the other 5 remaining contests, and the injuries sustained yesterday only exacerbate matters; 2 out of those 5 to be bowl eligible (assuming a Temple W) is very possible, yet a tall order. Fortunately they'll have home cooking next Sat. night. If they cannot find a way vs. Memphis, and HA is not "on", then you have to wonder if Garcia starts to factor into the calculus. I THINK (not sure) that he could see time in 4 games, and still preserve 3 years of eligibility. I like and respect HA, and know what he can do when he's on, but the program needs to come first.

We clearly have a problem in the kicking game. It’s not just one thing. Sure, Daffer has had his problems. Still, we know that he can do the job. His confidence must be shaken somewhat, but I wonder if some of it is due to his lack of confidence in the snap/hold/ kick process. Coach Huston told the tv crew the blocked field goal was due to a problem with “cadence”. Apparently, the signal caller (assuming it’s the holder) lost his cool. Previous problems involved proper placement of the laces, and improper blocking. Some of these problems shouldn’t be happening five games into the season. The d-line did perform well enough, however, the secondary seldom contested Tulane receivers on 3rd down. And, a stupid penalty cancelled out another goal line stand. Ahlers continues to force passes unnecessarily. He knows better, throwing late down the middle into Tulane’s strength. The wheel route in the left flat was completely uncontested. It’s almost as if he lost patience with the short yardage game that took them down the field. By far, this is the worst performance as a team this year. Yet, also apparent on Saturday, is how far the Pirates have come under Coach Huston. They don’t quit. Hopefully, the problems are “fixable”. A solid season is still for the taking.

You are an idiot///you must be paid

The ECU defensive line showed up. Otherwise, yesterday’s performance begs the question whether the OT loss to Navy was a fluke, which I’d previously thought.

Never claimed to be an expert. But, I do remember how to tackle - from 50 years ago - as those fundamentals haven’t really changed. Let’s ask Coach Harrell and Coach Houston if they think being critical of poor technique is silly. I’ll bet, not. The fact that they are really good coaches, and have the Pirates playing at a higher level, proves it. I’ll bet they reinforce the fundamentals every practice. So, when I see a couple of prominent Pirate defenders lose their technical discipline in multiple games, I point it out.

The Pirates have definitely upgraded at the skill positions but what is most impressive to me about this team is the discipline and fighting spirit. That is a direct result of good coaching. We are in very good hands, imo.

Good thing we have experts to keep the coaching staff in line!! Dude, let's please remember where we were just 4 years ago folks. It's actually fun to watch the Pirates again. I genuinely can get excited again on game day. Love coach Houston!!!! His recruiting is better than at any other time in our history IMO and I've been watching and keeping track of it for over 30 years. Recognize when it's good fans and get behind 'em!!!! Enough with the critical silliness. Go Pirates!!