GAME DAY ANALYSIS
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Kevin's Keys to the
Game
Saturday, December 23, 2006
By Kevin Monroe |
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Game 13: ECU
vs. USF
PapaJohns.com Bowl
Each week, Kevin Monroe, Sideline Reporter for the Pirate ISP
Sports 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 South Florida if it accomplishes these key objectives:
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Play with Pride:
One of
the first things Skip Holtz did when he accepted the job at East
Carolina was take the names off the back of the jersey. Part of the
process of establishing a new attitude at ECU was making the players
understand that the name on the front of their jerseys is more important
than the one on the back. It's the perfect practical example of the old
adage “There is no I in TEAM.” The kids have bought into this mindset
and each one of them exudes team pride. The next step of regaining this
program’s self respect is going to a bowl game and performing well. Bowl
games place teams in a national spotlight, and they can certainly help
or hurt the public’s opinion of your school.
-
Run to Victory:
I have been saying all year long that the Pirates are a passing team and
they need to throw the ball to win football games. I still believe that,
but in this particular game, neither team has an impressive running
game. Whichever team can put together enough of a rushing attack to open
up the passing game will get the victory. Brandon Fractious has been the
Pirates go-to running back down the stretch, and will remain the guy to
carry the load vs. South Florida. Getting Brandon going early will be a
huge key in the Pirates success. The Bulls have two stellar linebackers
in Ben Moffitt and Stephon Nicholas, so running the football will not be
an easy task.
-
Contain the QB: The
Bulls' number one offensive threat is quarterback Matt Grothe. Grothe
was the Big East Conference rookie of the year after passing for 2,495
yards and 14 touchdowns, as well as rushing for 607 yards and 9
touchdowns. Even though Grothe is a freshman, he is not fazed by the
bright lights and the pressure of big time games. He led the Bulls past
a top-ten West Virginia team, and I would expect a similar effort
against the Pirates. Against the Mountaineers, Grothe ran the football
23 times. ECU has to respect his ability to run the football and spy him
at all times. This QB is averaging over 50 yards per game on the ground
while the most productive running back (Ricky Ponton) is averaging less
than 50 yards per game rushing. Keeping Grothe in the pocket on passing
plays will be a big key to the Pirates' success.
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Win the Turnover
Battle:
The Pirates need to take care of the football. Even if the offense
sputters early, ECU will still be in the game unless it turns it over.
Bulls cornerback Trae Williams was a first-team All-Big East performer
with 49 tackles and 7 interceptions. Having played the position myself,
I can vouch for the fact that coming up with 7 interceptions is an
unbelievable effort. James Pinkney should know where Williams is at all
times and make good decisions in the passing game. Fractious and Chris
Johnson need to protect the football in the running game to prevent
unwanted fumbles.
The
Bottom Line:
East Carolina fans may not want to hear this, but just getting to the bowl
game is a victory for the Pirates. After having four straight losing
seasons, it was time for the Pirates to rejoin the likes of other successful
programs. On paper, South Florida is a better team then East Carolina. The
Bulls are effective on offense and quick and aggressive on defense. East
Carolina needs to play well and have a good showing, but the most important
thing about going to a bowl, is going to a bowl.
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02/23/2007 10:32:40 AM
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