GAME DAY ANALYSIS
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Kevin's Keys to the
Game
Saturday, September 9, 2006
By Kevin Monroe |
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Week 2: ECU at UAB
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Each week, Kevin Monroe, Sideline Reporter for the Pirate ISP
Sports Radio Network, provides “Kevin’s Keys to The Game,”
outlining what East Carolina must do to beat its opponent.
Monroe brings a unique perspective to the task, not only as an
analyst on the radio broadcast, but also as a former defensive
back for the Pirates (1995-99). |
©2006 Bonesville.net
All Rights Reserved.
East Carolina can defeat UAB if it
accomplishes these key objectives:
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Force the Blazers
to Pass:
UAB
returns four seniors in the backfield and two inexperienced
quarterbacks. That combination tells me that early in the season the
team would rather run the ball than pass it. Taking into account that
East Carolina gave up 404 yards on the ground versus Navy, the Blazers
running backs will be dying to rush the ball. Last week versus Oklahoma,
UAB ran the ball 40 times and only passed it 17 times. Given the
opportunity, I think the Blazers would like to run it 50 or more
times. The Pirates must stop them on first and second down and force
them to pass the football to win.
-
60 Minutes of
Play:
The Pirates are going to have to play with high intensity from beginning
to end. Last week, Oklahoma had to go late into the 4th quarter to pull
off the victory over the Blazers. The Pirates played well last week late
in the game, but started slowly in the first quarter and then again at
the start of third quarter. The Midshipmen were able to score early in
the first and third periods. ECU cannot afford to come out flat at any
period during this game.
-
Prove It Can Run:
Throughout a much improved 2005 season, the Pirates still failed to
establish and sustain a credible running game. The instability of not
having one key running back to carry the load, mixed with the
inexperience of the offensive line, has led to several lackluster
performances. ECU has talented running backs and skilled offensive
lineman, but after one game in 2006 they still aren’t on the same page.
The Pirates have a great passing offense, but if the running game is
non-existent it makes passing the football a lot harder. ECU must find a
way to run the football versus UAB.
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Intangibles:
East Carolina has to do the little things in order to win a game like
this. Special teams will play a huge roll, not only from a kicking and
returning standpoint, but also kick coverage. Getting down field and
making the big hit or downing a punt inside the 10 could definitely key
a momentum swing. Decision-making and mental toughness will also be huge
factors. The Blazers can run it and throw it on offense and they are big
and strong on defense. With 29 seniors, UAB may be the most experienced
team the Pirates will face this year. East Carolina cannot allow mental
mistakes and inexperience to cost it the ballgame.
The Bottom Line:
With tough non-league opponents like West Virginia and Virginia on the
horizon, the Pirates can ill afford to start off 0-2. Plus, with UAB being
the first of back-to-back Conference USA foes (Memphis is up next), ECU
would like to start off conference play without an immediate blemish.
Winning on the road has been virtually impossible for the Pirates over the
last few years, but going to Marshall late last season and and pulling out
the victory gave the team confidence that it can win a tough battle
on a foreign field.
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02/23/2007 10:32:22 AM
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