...an instant classic, a great team win that hopefully will be the catalyst that propels them into a new era. Ahlers particularly deserves a hat tip for bouncing back from last week, and some outstanding catches helped the cause, 8 different players, 6 with 3 or more, to give future opponents a little more to think about, with trickeration on the side, though it's vital that the run game continue to develop. I've never seen a more perfectly executed onsides kick; give Daffer a cigar, the Freshman kicker AND recoverer. ...perfect play-calling down the stretch from the sidelines, too; Houston coached more or less like the Pirates had nothing to lose, an exciting brand of football, a well deserved signature win for the Pirates.

Proud to be a Pirate, fight till the last breath. Luck, when preparation meets opportunity! Go Pirates!!!

i agree that Ahlers should be free to be Ahlers. i read in the off season that the coaches wanted him to run less and pass more. I think this hampers him in the game. he is best when he can be free to react to the game situations.

I appreciate that Coach put the happiest spin possible on the S. Carolina game, and in fact the d played well, aided, however, by a q whose play was poor 'til things suddenly began clicking in the 4th quarter, but I think the suggestion that S. Carolina will prove to be a middling SEC team is very generous; we'll see. Also, the Marshall observations sound like preparing excuses for more disappointment.

Isn't Al Myatt's article nothing more than a rehash of Coach Houston's Press conference?

S.Carolina is a middle of the pack team in the SEC, Marshall wins their division in conference USA last year, returning much of that team. After watching the Marshall game this Saturday, you tell me about about the talent in S.Carolina O-line&D-line. Folks our kids are so much better than we were 2 years ago. Can you imagine Our team of 2 years ago competing against the S.Carolina team of last Saturday. 70-0 probably. I don't think Brett Farve would be very good under the same pressure Holton sees every play. Until you actually have the experience of playing in the college game you can't imagine how fast game speed is, and S.Caroina and App.St. athletes make it even faster. Be patient GREAT PIRATE NATION!

Coach didn't address the kick return by SC in the most direct manner. If our kicker could routinely reach the middle-to-back of the end zone, in all probability, there is no return. Not having an adequate replacement for k/o duties was/is, and will continue to be, a problem. The poor decision-making by a veteran quarterback is glaring, because two of the mistakes indicate an almost complete lack of awareness; illegal passing FOUR yards beyond the LoS, and the big loss on the jailbreak blitz when he COMPLETELY turned his back to the LoS. Lastly; is it just me, or does anyone else think that CJ Johnson should be in the slot where he can get some separation from defender? He clearly cannot defeat lockdown DBs as a wideout, and the OC doesn't seem to have a back-shoulder pass route in the mix. CJ must be effective for ANY long term success on offense.

Sammy ECU Class of 94. I am sure this sounds like a broken record comment but man I am hurting with our Pirate Football. We used to be giant killers and no one wanted to play us and now people are scheduling us for homecoming. I thought Houston was the answer (and he may be) but will we ever get back to our winning ways? AND should Ahlers be sitting and watching for a bit (or my opinion allowed to run more)? He is much more effective when he is a threat to run.

Greg ECU Class of 94. I am sure this sounds like a broken record comment but man I am hurting with our Pirate Football. We used to be giant killers and no one wanted to play us and now people are scheduling us for homecoming. I thought Houston was the answer (and he may be) but will we ever get back to our winning ways? AND should Ahlers be sitting and watching for a bit (or my opinion allowed to run more)? He is much more effective when he is a threat to run.

Totally agree Don, critics are always impatient. We are significantly better from where Houston found us. It takes time folks. Young team still. This year we'll play every week very deep and senior laden teams. Covid gave every team back their entire roster, not just us. Last season, we were one of if not the youngest team in the NCAA Div 1. Ruffin said after he was fired, which was ridiculous. " When you are winning, people want you to write a book, when you have a few losses, nobody thinks you can read". We have a great coach and an even better man. Get behind Him and this program, or just be quite please!!

Can you imagine how many interceptions, fumbles and bad decisions a non experienced QB would make under the pressure that Holton is experiencing on every snap. Only the experience of playing will give you the proper knowledge of the actual speed of the game. Folks until the o-linemen are constantly seniors will we be consistently good. Joe Montana would not have been very good under the same circumstances Holton catches himself in. I

Defense did a great job. Ahlers cannot correct his mistakes that seem to be reoccurring every game. He is a junior playing like a freshman. Give Garcia a chance and teach Ahlers a little humility. He needs a serious wake up call

Kudos to the defense yesterday, but wins will continue to elude until a run game is established, and that cannot happen unless Holton is able to pick up his passing game. In fairness, there were drops, but he was off target too often, and his decision making wasn't where it needs to be. As a senior, I can see Houston giving him another shot vs. Marshall, but absent improvement, I think Garcia needs to be given a look.

zonovan i am very proud of you, hoping that you will continue your dream. may God be with you always aunt Ruth

By halftime I felt those same very familiar feelings from the past two years. App was more physical, better prepared and played smarter. ECU made too many penalties, and had to many mistakes to overcome the talent gap. Hopefully we can correct some of these issues or another 3 win season is headed our way.