Memphis Tigers @ East Carolina Pirates preview

Pirates look to right ship against CUSA East foe Memphis

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2008

Time: Noon (ET)

Location: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium (43,000); Greenville, NC

Television: CSS

Records: East Carolina (3-3 overall, 1-1 CUSA); Memphis (3-4 overall, 1-2 CUSA)

Rankings: None

All-Time Series Record: East Carolina leads 10-6

Last Meeting: Saturday, November 3, 2008— Memphis, TN—ECU 56 Memphis 40

Memphis @ ECU Injury/Personnel Report:

East Carolina

• FB Kevin Gidrey, hand; probable

• DE Marcus Hands, back; probable

• DT Khalif Mitchell, foot/toe; probable

• OL Stanley Bryant, knee; questionable

• CB Dekota Marshall, shoulder; questionable

• CB Jerek Hewett, shoulder; doubtful

• DE Scotty Robinson, foot; doubtful

• LB Quentin Cotton, knee; out

• WR Jamar Bryant, disciplinary reasons; out

• DT Brandon Setzer, knee; out

Memphis

• DT Clinton McDonald, ankle; doubtful

• LB Tommy Phelps, elbow; doubtful

• LB Winston Bowens, leg; questionable

• WR Brian Hall, knee; out

Memphis @ East Carolina General Overview

A month ago East Carolina was 3-0, ranked 15th and possibly receiving more positive media attention than ever before. However, the Pirates have since lost three consecutive games and are now looking to right the ship in time to make a run for the Conference USA championship.

The Pirates most recent loss was a 35-20 setback at UVA last Saturday. East Carolina fell behind 28-6 at the break, but battled back to pull within 28-20 with over 13 minutes remaining. It was evident that the Pirates didn’t give up, but they just didn’t execute with enough consistency.

Holtz feels his Pirates are giving excellent effort, but that they are just not playing smart enough and making the plays that are necessary to beat talented football teams. He also felt the need to re-evaluate some positions to get increased productivity and as a result made this week’s already different practice schedule (due to fall break) more physical like spring practice.

Since starting the season with three straight losses—including back-to-back heartbreakers in Conference USA contests to Rice (42-35) and at Marshall (17-16)— Memphis has rebounded to win three of its last four. The Tigers took down Nicholls State (31-10), Arkansas State (29-17) and UAB (33-30). The last time out they lost to former CUSA member Louisville (35-28) despite outgaining the Cardinals by nearly 200 yards. UM isn’t far from being 6-1.

Last season, East Carolina was on the winning end of a 56-40 shootout at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. The Pirates, who were led by Chris Johnson’s 301 rushing yards, ran for nearly 500 yards (491) against the Tigers. The teams combined for 1,134 yards of offense (ECU-641, Memphis-493). Memphis’ senior quarterback Martin Hankins threw for 416 yards and four touchdowns.

Two years ago, East Carolina rallied from a 20-7 halftime deficit and scored 28 unanswered second-half points to secure a 35-20 victory. Prior to its current two-game win streak against Memphis, the Pirates had lost four of five to the Tigers.

East Carolina Offense vs. Memphis Defense

Advantage: Memphis

The Pirate offense, which is averaging only 335 yards per game, failed to eclipse the 300-yard mark for a second straight game in the loss at Virginia. The defense gave the ECU offense prime field position early in the contest, but it could only produce six points on three trips inside the UVA 35-yard line. For the game, nine of the Pirates’ sixteen possessions were four plays or less after ending in either a punt or turnover. The Pirates, who only have 14 touchdowns in six games, are averaging 18.7 offensive points per game when you exclude special teams and defensive touchdowns.

Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch did pull some things out of his playbook that had not been seen in quite sometime. East Carolina employed a no-huddle, hurry-up attack at various stages throughout the game to keep the UVA defense on its heels, dictate the tempo of the game and prevent personnel changes. Dwayne Harris received touches via direct snaps while the Pirates also attempted to get talented tight end Davon Drew involved via play-action passes and bootlegs.

The offensive line struggled to protect Patrick Pinkney, as he was sacked six times on the afternoon. However, it did run block well enough to allow Jonathan Williams to rush for a career-high 95 yards on 19 carries. The unit could see some change-ups this week.

When Pinkney and company did have time to execute in the passing game, they were unable to do anything consistently. Pinkney finished 12-of-28, but he did have at least two or three passes dropped. When the Pirates tried to go deep, the ball was thrown too far to the inside on multiple occasions. He did make an excellent “improv” play on third and goal at the ten that cut the UVA lead to 28-20 early in the fourth quarter. While he didn’t throw an interception, he lost two fumbles in the game—including one on first down in the Pirates’ own territory not quite halfway through the fourth quarter when ECU was attempting to complete its comeback.

The play-making Dwayne Harris had 128 receiving yards versus the Cavs and is far and away the most productive wideout on the team with 39 catches for 476 yards. However, Harris has failed to register a touchdown reception through the first half of the season.

The offense’s continued inconsistency has led Holtz to announce that the two-quarterback system that was used last season will be utilized in Saturday’s contest with Memphis, but the Pirates’ coach did say that he would not name a starter until he saw how practice went. Rob Kass’ only significant playing time this year was in the Pirates last home game versus Houston. Memphis is well-aware of Patrick Pinkney’s abilities, as he ran for 94 yards against them last season.

While ECU will be sacrificing some mobility, they hope the move can help create a vertical passing game. However, in order for that to occur, some wideouts such as Alex Taylor, Darryl Freeney, TJ Lee, and Joe Womack must step up. Other than Dwayne Harris, running back Brandon Simmons (16-74) and tight end Davon Drew (11-159) are the only players with more than ten receptions.

Norman Whitley also needs to receive more touches, as he can provide play-making ability to an offense that desperately needs playmakers.

Improvement will have to occur against a steadily improving Memphis’ defense. First year Defensive Coordinator Tim Walton feels that his players are buying into his system and that it is beginning to translate to on-field success. The Tigers’ most recent performance against Louisville reflected it. The Cardinals entered last Friday’s game averaging 435 yards of offense per game, but the Tigers limited them to only 299. For the season, they’re allowing 27.4 points and 363 yards—including 170 on the ground. The Tigers have been tough on third down, as opponents are converting only 35 percent of their attempts. They have also pitched three second half shutouts this season—including one against Louisville.

Memphis has been very good at executing its base defense, but has struggled at times when facing more complex offensive attacks. Thus, unless something changes, it would not be a surprise to see the Tigers play well against the Pirates’ inconsistent, relatively vanilla attack.

Memphis will be playing without defensive tackle Clinton McDonald, who is among the nation’s leaders in sacks and a major force in the middle.

Strong Safety Alton Starr had 14 tackles against Louisville while linebacker Jeremy Longstreet recorded 13 stops.

The defensive front is very active and includes big, athletic linebackers. As a whole, the defense is more experienced and possesses better speed than a season ago.

Memphis Offense vs. East Carolina Defense

Advantage: Memphis

The East Carolina defense had dominated the UVA offense for the first 14 minutes and 53 seconds of the opening quarter. The Pirates had picked off Marc Verica twice and shut down the Cavs’ rushing attack. However, all it took was a poor angle by safety Leon Best and Cedric Peerman tightroped the sideline en route to a 79-yard scoring run that put his team ahead to stay. Only minutes later, fellow safety Van Eskridge made the same mistake and the Pirates trailed 14-6. Mikell Simpson ran for a third score to make it 21-6. This ground success opened up the passing game and Verica would complete a deep ball against man coverage that extended the lead to 28-6.

After the break, the defense played well enough to allow the Pirates to pull within 28-20 early in the fourth quarter. Nick Johnson, who has 38 tackles and 5.5 behind the line, continued to play well and came up with a key fourth quarter stop to give the offense a chance for a game-tying drive.

The defensive front failed to get pressure on UVA’s Zerica and that is something that must change against Memphis’ high-octane offense. Defensive ends Zack Slate and CJ Wilson are the top candidates to get some heat on Tiger quarterback Arkelon Hall. Walk-on Josh Smith did a good job of filling in for injured Scotty Robinson.

The secondary sustained injuries to senior Jerek Hewett and redshirt freshman Dekota Marshall. Expect Travis Simmons and Darryl Reynolds to split time at Hewett’s spot.

Cliff Perryman and Steve Spence played well at UVA in their first significant action of their careers.

Greg Hudson’s unit, which has allowed over 1,050 yards in the last two games, faces a tall task this weekend against a very potent, multi-dimensional Memphis offense. The Tigers rank 13 th nationally in total yards (465.3) and run for 181.9. They have outgained all but one of their seven opponents. However, it has been their inability to finish drives due to things such as untimely drops that has limited their point production.

Against Louisville, who entered the game ranked ninth nationally in total defense, Memphis rolled up 481 yards and ran over thirty more plays (86-55) than the Cardinals.

The Tigers are probably the second most talented offense—behind Houston—that the Pirates have faced.

Quarterback Arkelon Hall, who reminds Holtz of former UAB signal-caller Darrell Hackney, is big, possesses great arm strength and is very durable. He has not been as accurate as Houston’s Case Keenum, as he has completed only 58.7 percent of his attempts, but he has thrown for just over 1800 yards. Hall heaved it 55 times versus Louisville and threw for 350 yards. However, he did have a fourth quarter fumble that was returned for what proved to be the winning score. He possesses a touchdown to interception ratio of ten to six.

The receiving corps that Hall throws to is one of the nation’s most talented and tallest. It possesses excellent athleticism. Junior Carlos Singleton, who stands 6’8”, leads the team with 38 catches for 605 yards and two scores. Duke Calhoun, a 6’4” junior, has 26 receptions for 335 yards. He has caught a pass in 31 consecutive games. Maurice Jones, who is also 6’4” (24-385-3), and Earnest Williams (19-201-6) are other top targets. Williams’ six touchdown receptions lead the team.

Hall and the passing game benefit from the effective running of Curtis Steele. Steele, who has rushed for 658 yards, is averaging an impressive 6.2 yards per carry.

When the Tigers get in the red zone, don’t be surprised to see Charlie Jones carry the ball. Jones is tops on the team with six rushing touchdowns.

The offensive line is seasoned, features four seniors and possesses quality depth.

ECU & Memphis Special Teams

Advantage: East Carolina

Special teams often make the difference in a ballgame. Ask Memphis coach Tommy West. West, the eighth year head coach of the Tigers, can attest to the importance of the kicking game after a blocked field goal returned 60 yards for a score and a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown cost his team a big non-conference win versus Big East member Louisville last Friday night. The former Clemson coach is on a mission to rectify the situation before it haunts his club, again.

Give the Pirates the nod in the return game. Dwayne Harris had a season-long return of 57 yards to open the second half at Virginia and is averaging 23.2 on 15 returns. Darryl Freeney has brought back six punts for an average of 10.2 yards.

D.A. Griffin is now handling punt returns for Memphis. Michael Grandberry brings back the kickoffs and is only managing an average of 18.8 yards on 23 returns.

Ben Hartman has been solid since returning against NC State. The junior placekicker is 4-of-5, which includes a long of 45 this past Saturday at UVA. His only miss came from 51 yards against the Cavaliers.

Memphis’ Vinny Zaccario is 5-of-6 and his only miss was the 47-yarder that was blocked and taken back for a touchdown by Louisville. He kicked the game winner in the Tigers 33-30 win over UAB at Legion Field two weeks ago.

Pirate punter Matt Dodge was improving his consistency, but he suffered a one-yard shank versus Virginia. For the year, Dodge is averaging 43 yards per boot. Memphis’ Brent Sutherland averages 42 yards per attempt and the Tigers net 37.9.

Dodge and Zaccario handle the kickoff duties for their respective teams. Dodge’s kickoffs were better against UVA, but he did have the aid of a wind at times.

Intangibles

Advantage: Even

This game has significant implications for the CUSA East race.

The Pirates sit at 1-1 in the league after two teams against CUSA West foes. They still have the opportunity to control their own destiny, as they still have games remaining with UCF, Marshall and Southern Miss during a tough November stretch. Skip Holtz is pleased with the effort his team is giving, but they’re not doing the little things it takes to win games. What is the team’s psyche like after dropping three straight games—all of which they were favored to win? Is the team unity what it’ll need to be for a turnaround?

The Tigers come to Greenville with a 1-2 conference mark—including a heartbreaking 17-16 defeat to CUSA East division leader Marshall. Therefore, Tommy West’s club has very little, if any room, for error. They probably have to win out to have a shot at the division. Title aspirations aside, they’ll need to win at least three of their last five to have a shot at another bowl berth.

As if they didn’t have enough to play for, the Memphis family suffered the tragic loss of T.O.M II, the tiger—the school’s mascot.

East Carolina-Memphis Final Prediction and Analysis

The Pirates have never lost four games in a row during the Skip Holtz era. For that to continue, ECU will have to run the football effectively to keep a very good Memphis offense on the sideline. The Pirates must also finish drives, as they’ll likely need all the points they can get in this one. Defensively, they’ll have to put pressure on Arkelon Hall and it wouldn’t hurt to force two turnovers or more for a ninth straight game to assist a struggling offense. Memphis’ special teams have been a sore spot for the Tigers this year; therefore, look for the Pirates to attempt to really take advantage of this weakness.

Memphis is a senior-laden football team that is only a few plays from being 6-1. Offensively, the Tigers have to be licking their chops about facing what has been a porous ECU defense of late. They will need to finish drives—unlike the Marshall game—and eliminate the costly special teams mistakes they suffered in the Louisville loss. Defensively, they need to stop the run and force East Carolina to make big plays in the passing game. The Pirates have been vertically challenged in that area all season. If they can slow down Jonathan Williams and the ECU ground game, they’ll be able to pin their ears back and come after Rob Kass and Patrick Pinkney.

The Pirates’ struggling secondary won’t be able to slow down the Memphis’ aerial attack enough in this one and ECU will lose a fourth straight for the first time under the Holtz regime.