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GAME DAY ANALYSIS
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Kevin's Keys to the Game
Saturday, December 23, 2006

By Kevin Monroe

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Contain the QBThe 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.

  4. 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.

Send an e-mail message to Kevin Monroe.

Dig into Kevin Monroe's Bonesville archives.

02/23/2007 10:32:40 AM
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