If Ahlers doesn't lose the handle on the first drive, and Witherspoon covers the ball on the State fumble late in the half deep in Pirates territory, instead of trying to pick it up, it's a 10-10 halftime score. ECU probably still loses, but it's a very different ballgame.

Why do your articles simply repeat what has been reported by others on Sunday and Monday? Nothing new in any of your reporting--ever!

Well written

Irish Spectre is correct. Without a semblance of a run game we will never be able to get the offense on track. Holton can be a great QB at the college level if we start to run the ball effectively and do not have to count on him being a 40-50 throws a game guy. He is not really that kind of QB. We did not run the ball outside the tackles with our backs all day, and to be a between the tackles run team you have to control the line play and we are not even close yet. Hopefully the O line will continue to improve and this will open things up for Holton to be the dual threat QB he really is.

Of many issues over the past couple or three years, the OL has been the biggest. One game proves or disproves nothing, but the OL yesterday remained the biggest issue.

You took the words right out of my mouth. Why do offensive coaches want to change a gifted QB to be a pocket passer when clearly he is not? Give him the ball and let him run an throw when the opportunity arises. Trying to establish the run got us nothing, but they kept doing it over and over.....like doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. That's the definition of stupidity! The first 7 or 8 plays were great, but for some reason after the fumble, ECU never operated like that again. You are also spot on Cam Newton, get rid of him and the coach! Our defense did a lot better, but I would like to see the backs attack the ball more and not the receiver. One thing they did not give up.

Is Ahlers a good fit for QB in a spread offense? Although he’s not locking on one receiver like he did last year, he doesn’t get the ball out quick enough, receivers rarely had any room to run after the catch. He didn’t throw guys open, same as Cam Newton and why the Panthers could not run a spread system either. Play action or run-pass-option might be more suitable and play more to his strength as a runner. The fumble at the goal line was due to him carrying the ball into a crowd with it away from his body in one arm more than a defenders well placed helmet. I saw it clearly as will he in the film session I’m sure. Defense was vastly improved from last year, and there was no quit in them. Not sure what the short FG at the end of the game proved. At least Doren didn’t try to ice it this time.

Marcus Crandell's pass was caught by number 42 Jason Nichols, where it is a FIRST DOWN!!!! PIRATES!!!!

E...C...U... THE SPIRIT OF THE EAST!!!!!

A very good article, well written and informative. Good work.

If I were Houston, I'd have taped to the inside of the Pirates locker room door an 8 X 11 glossy of the State center lined up in the backfield. Enough said.

I knew the minute that game was scheduled we would get smoked... Better times ahead.

9 months removed from a 53 point beating by the wolf pack and the line is now only 17. Hmmm...……..that is very interesting! GO PIRATES!

Good article, I love the attitude of the players. thanks.

Oh what a refreshing feeling it is to read this type of rhetoric. Graduated in 94' and looking forward to the glory returning to Dowdy Ficklen. Blocking, tackling, effort, discipline, building a roster with O and D lineman, team! I love it! This is football. Concepts lost for a while but now back with a vengeance. Great leadership is where it all begins! So happy to see our leadership in place and how it's obviously making a difference. Go Pirates! Looking forward to many trips to G-Vegas this fall. Got my purple gear and I'm ready to be loud!!!!