To blame Benkert's transfer on Montgomery before he coached a single game at ECU doesn't seem to make much sense. Minshew is admittedly another story. ...as is Coach's 9-26 record to date. ...as is the embarrassment factor in a number of those losses, including yesterday and at Temple earlier this year. It's not just all the losing, it also the cycle that they're in now of sowing a little bit of hope after a rare win (e.g,, vs. UConn last week), or at least a respectable showing (e.g., vs. USF), and then crushing it all in one horrendous performance. What a mess. I'm not saying Montgomery needs to be fired (yet), but nor am I arguing against those who are, but even if the university wants to make that call, there's no AD in place to do it; ECU seems unable to get anything right these days!

Hi Al. Love your work when it comes to Pirate football. Also I’m a firm believer in accenting the positive. However in this case I’ve got to say the headline of this game was an ill prepared football team beaten soundly schematically and physically in every aspect. In my opinion the glimpse of a positive play while great is not headline worthy. I had to listen to the whole game on radio because I was driving home from Turkey Day. Listening to Jeff and Kevin describing the game was difficult and Jeff got it right when he called it a “nightmare.” Jeff also mentioned how ECU used to thump Cincinnati and we won the first 7 contests in a row. They also said multiple times that Ahlers had to be literally helped up from the ground just about all game. Why in the world would you leave him in as long as they did down that many points with line playing so poorly? He is our future. I know he would want to play but the coach needs to not only think of this year but coming years. I do believe that we have the players to be competitive but our coaching is just not cutting it. Mo has shown no ability to develop players especially QB considering the two great QB’s he inherited Benkert and Minshew both transferred and had tremendous success. One transfer of a great player is understandable but losing two in two years starts to be a trend. I also understand that the leadership has put our athletic teams in a bind with their current situation. However, ECU has always had things the were challenging but found a way to overcome. We can’t overcome a poor coach. We couldn’t with Thompson and we can’t now with Mo.

As Andy said, "What it was was football." I think.

Just a great article! I love these success stories. Thanks.

HELLO SKIPPER THAT IS A TERM FOR CAPTAIN SO I AM CALLING YOU SKIPPER.......I AM NOTING A 'SOMETHING IN YOUR RECENT COMMENT HERE...........A CERTAIN COMMENT THAT MEANS OR IT APPEARS TO ME MEANS 'PERHAPS T THIS GIVEN TIME DO WE LOOK IN YOUR DIRECTION FOR A MAYBE?

Even with a good win today. ECU football is no where near playing with the discipline and confidence they need to be a successful program. Scottie Mo got to Go!!

I like the article but would change the headline to Montgomery, Penalties, & Injuries Hinder Pirates

Hi Danny, As a long time Pirate fan and loyal Bonesville reader (I can’t remember the last day I didn’t visit your site) I was wondering if you could write an article or have it written about QB development at ECU. I recently commented about that on this forum but think it deserves a better more intense look from one of your writers. I think it’s crucial information as we talk about the Pirates future and the future of our coach. It’s stunning to think that two of Ruff’s recruits have gone on to such significant success in what most people would think were more difficult situations. I do believe that Ahlers is a special QB and believe it’s paramount that we put him in the best situation to thrive. Wins and losses are important factors but player development also speaks loudly to coaches ability. For me we’ve had some great examples of getting the most out of what we had in the past. Steve Logan and Skip Holtz were great at sustainable development of players. I’m not sure our current regime share that ability and with three year look we probably have seen who they are. Anyways if you believe it’s interesting and important info that our QB from last year is literally lighting it up in the northwest and another former Pirate was considered one of the best QB’s in the ACC for two years Bonesville.net should dive into the why’s and how’s of that situation. I believe we have the roster for a significant turnaround but need to have the right person guiding the ship. Maybe it’s Scottie but maybe it’s not. Thanks for providing such great info on the Pirates for so many years. Bonesville.net is a part of my day every day of my life. Go Pirates!!!! Dan A.

MatC: Thank you for the heads up. Correction has been made. — Danny Whitford, Editor

Men don't follow this game. They play Monday!

Well said MR. Brown!!

We need to give him another year and do it now. No football coach in my memory has had as much to overcome than he has with internal problems within the athletic department and administration and Stasavich was coach when I first went to a game. Who has he had to lean on regarding what ECU wants other than wins? No one, and no coach in America can stand that long. Another year will not make or break our program, but another good recruiting year and the ability to once again have strong junior and senior classes will help any coach year after next whether it is coach Mo or whomever. Coaching does matter, but without the horses you can't win the race and we have a truly good class ready to come in if we give them a positive signal.

If mo returns I will cut my season tickets in half........I cannot give tickets away these days.............sad:)

Dan A., you can't make any stronger points than the examples of Benkert and Minshew. those are two head scratchers for sure.

Agree wholeheartedly.