East Carolina

Just a thought on E. Carolina. After watching us strugle against their offense the past couple of years and even watching our offense with White and Slaton struggle, I was thinking what do we have to do differently strategically against this team?

I think the answer on the defensive side lies with getting to Pinkney. He was able to dink and dunk pass up and down the field last year. He's mobile and buys time with his feet. He doesn't throw long accurately, but he's good for 10 yds. So it seems to me with have to contain him first. Then we have to put pressure on with varying blitz packages. ECUs quick little scat backs are more likely to swing out to the flats than to stay in on protection so timing is everything. JT Thomas should be lining up all over the place and blitzing as often as he drops back into coverage.

Offense is a much different story. Rich Rod would continue to bang his head against the wall until something finally broke. It was usually Slaton or White on a long run. ECU seemed to be able to contain. (along with Pitt, but I digress). The smaller quicker defenses, including ECU and South Florida need to be attacked vertically. Run the ball down hill. I think we've already got a glimpse of this in week 1 lining up with a fullback. What a concept?! It worked on a couple of short yardage situations against Liberty but this isn't Liberty. This week should be a sign of things to come against Colorado, Auburn and Syracuse in the coming weeks. Say what you want about Auburn and Syracuse but defense wasn't their former coaches weaknesses!

Word is we have a number of big name recruits coming this weekend (Rivals Radio). This is an important game for this year and probably for a few to come.