PRE-GAME ANALYSIS
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Keys to the
Game
Saturday, November
21, 2009
By Kevin Monroe |
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ECU vs. UAB
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, 3:30 pm
Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium
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For the fourth
straight year, Kevin Monroe, color analyst for the Pirate ISP Sports
Radio Network, provides “Kevin’s Keys to The Game,”
his weekly breakdown of what East Carolina must do to beat its
upcoming opponent.
Monroe brings a unique perspective to the task as a
member of the broadcast team and as a former star defensive
back for the Pirates (1995-99). |
©2009 Bonesville.net
All Rights Reserved.
East
Carolina can defeat UAB if it accomplishes these key objectives:
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Contain Joe Webb
The Pirates will face the best athlete they have seen all season at the
quarterback position in UAB’s Joe Webb. That says a lot considering that
East Carolina has encountered Travaris Cadet from Appalachian State,
Jarrett Brown from West Virginia and Tyrod Taylor from Virginia Tech.
Webb has a big strong arm, and he runs like a running back. He is the
second leading rusher in the conference. Last season Webb rushed for
1,011 yards. He has already eclipsed that mark this season with 1,158
yards with two games remaining. Webb is a very capable passer with 1,730
yards and a completion percentage of close to 60%, but you can’t let him
beat you with his feet.
Memphis held the Blazers to 111 rushing yards, more than 100 yards under
their average, but UAB passed for 378 yards on its way to the victory.
The Pirates must pressure Webb, but they will have to remain in their
rush lanes and be disciplined. They can’t allow him to make big plays
with his feet.
-
Pass Efficiently
UAB's secondary has struggled in its pass defense
this season. Its opponents are passing for 325 yards per game. The
Blazers have given up 22 passing touchdowns through 10 games, which is
more than 2 per game. Patrick Pinkney had his best game of the season
last week (20-29 for 275 yards and 2 TDs with no interceptions).
Running back Dominique Lindsay and the running game open up the passing
game, so that is where the offense needs to start. When ECU does decide
to pass the football, it will need to spread the field and take
advantage of the Blazers' ineffective play in the defensive backfield.
Last week wide receiver Darryl Freeney emerged as a force with a career
high 152 receiving yards. With Freeney having two good games in a row,
it’s really going to open things up for Dwayne Harris to make plays.
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Protect This House
With two regular season games remaining and both of them at home, the
Pirates have a meaningful advantage. ECU leads the conference in home
attendance and has sold out all of this season's five home games leading
up to this one. The Pirates need to take it personal that UAB plans on
coming into their house and taking away their opportunity to win the
C-USA championship. The crowd will be in the game as long as the Pirates
play with effort and minimize the mental mistakes. ECU has lost only one
home game this season, to Virginia Tech. One reason for the home success
is that the environment in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is one of the best
around. To win championships, you have to win your home conference
games.
The
Bottom Line
The Pirates know what they have to do to win the
East Division of C-USA. That all
starts with this game against UAB. ECU should be able to pass and run on the
Blazers but will have a hard time stopping them on defense. Nobody has
really bottled up Joe Webb all season, and neither will East Carolina. The
Pirates just need to contain him and keep him out of the end zone. The
Pirates only need a one-point victory. To achieve that they will have to
outlast the Blazer attack.
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11/20/2009 03:59:13 AM
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