East Carolina vs. North Carolina Football Preview

Pirates look for win over in-state rival Tar Heels

Date: Saturday, September 8th

Injury/Personnel Report:

East Carolina

LB Nick Johnson, shoulder; probable

CB Leon Best, ankle; questionable

DT Khalif Mitchell, knee; questionable

DE Scotty Robinson, knee; questionable

OT Brandon Setzer, knee; questionable

OG Doug Polochak, shoulder; out

North Carolina

C Scott Lenahan, calf; questionable

LB Chase Rice, ankle; out

S Cooter Arnold; suspension

ECU vs. UNC General Overview

Many people would ask, “How can a rivalry, much less an intense one, exist when two programs have only played ten times ever—including twice in the last 25 years?”

Well, while the history on the gridiron might not run very deep between the Pirates and Tar Heels, there is a long history of the schools butting heads. You see, decades ago when East Carolina sought a medical school and university status, the University of North Carolina did everything in its power to prevent these advancements from occurring for its university system brother. Thus, many ECU fans strongly dislike UNC-CH.

After playing eight of ten years from 1972-81, the schools did not meet again until the 2001 season. The series was resumed following some prodding from the North Carolina legislature due to the financial impact the game has on the state.

The last meeting in the series was in 2003. That match-up featured the Tar Heels making their first ever trip to Greenville. In an extremely down year for both programs, UNC-CH pulled away in the second half to capture a 28-17 victory in a battle of two 0-5 clubs.

The Pirates’ lone win came back in 1975 when Pat Dye’s squad—led by quarterback Mike Weaver and speedy running back Eddie Hicks—defeated the Tar Heels 38-17 in Kenan Stadium.

First year North Carolina head coach Butch Davis, who was formerly at Miami, dropped two games to East Carolina while he was at the helm of the Hurricanes’ program.

Davis and the Tar Heels posted a crisp 37-14 victory over FCS member James Madison in their opener last Saturday at Kenan Stadium. UNC-CH built a commanding 21-0 first quarter margin and led 30-7 at the half before coasting to the win over the Dukes.

East Carolina opened its season at No. 9 Virginia Tech. The Pirates held their own with most people’s preseason favorite to win the ACC and had a chance to win despite throwing an interception for a touchdown just before the half that allowed Tech to take a 10-7 lead into the locker room. ECU’s defense kept it in the game, but the offense was unable to produce enough in the end.

North Carolina Offense vs. East Carolina Defense

Advantage: ECU

The Pirates knew their defense would have to play very well for them to have a shot at winning their opener at Virginia Tech. Well, Greg Hudson’s unit lived up to their expectations and then some, as they held the Hokies’ rushing attack to a mere 33 yards.

North Carolina will be visiting Greenville for only the second time ever Saturday when they face East Carolina in sold out Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

The front seven also generated a pass rush that was largely non-existent last season (18 sacks), as ECU sacked Virginia Tech’s Glennon four times and either knocked him down or pressured him several more. Skip Holtz noted in his postgame comments that his staff had challenged his defense to match Virginia Tech’s physicality. They chose to simply line-up and play football rather than “outscheme” the Hokies. The Pirates’ strength, size and speed were on display all afternoon, as they “physically manhandled” the Hokies’ offensive line according to ESPN analyst Bill Curry. Curry also stated that he feels ECU has a chance to be brutal defensively due to the depth they have to roll in and out of their front four.

Khalif Mitchell, who transferred from North Carolina, played well in his first game in the purple and gold and is one of the key cogs in the Pirates’ deep front seven.

Junior linebacker Quentin Cotton, who was a named to preseason Butkus Award watch list, picked up where he left off last season and made 14 stops against the Hokies.

The youthful, but talented secondary played well for the most part. However, they did blow a couple coverages that led to Virginia Tech’s ten offensive points.

After facing a veteran backfield last week, the Pirate D will face an inexperienced one against the Tar Heels. Redshirt freshman quarterback T.J. Yates was 13-of-18 for 218 yards with three touchdowns and one interception against JMU. The running back situation is also fairly unsettled and the Pirates are likely to see the trio of Johnny White, Anthony Elzy and Richie Rich. White, a true freshman, enrolled at North Carolina in the Spring and rushed for 49 yards on 12 carries against the Dukes. Meanwhile, the redshirt freshman Elzy was used primarily in short yardage and goal line situations. He finished with 11 carries for 28 yards and two scores.

The Tar Heels were only able to muster 100 yards on the ground (2.9 yards per carry) versus JMU. However, the Dukes put eight men in the box, which resulted in the big night for Yates through the air.

If the Pirates’ performance in week one is any indication, expect the Heels to turn to their passing game. The offensive line did not allow a sack against JMU and Yates has several talented to distribute the football to if he receives time. The receiving corps is led by Hakeem Nicks, who hauled in 39 passes for 660 yards and four scores in ’06. Junior Brooks Foster and Brandon Tate are also threats. Foster caught 38 balls for 486 yards and a couple scores last year while Tate brought in two for 74—including a 28-yard touchdown versus JMU.

New offensive coordinator John Shoop has spent the last 12 seasons in the NFL after three seasons as a graduate assistant at Vanderbilt. Last season, Shoop was the offensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders for the last five games. He coordinated the Chicago Bears’ offensive attack from 2001 thru 2003. Thus, ECU is likely to see a pro style approach.

East Carolina Offense vs. North Carolina Defense

Advantage: ECU

East Carolina’s inexperienced offensive performed pretty well in a hostile environment against one of the nation’s top defenses. While the Pirates did only gain 261 yards of total offense, they largely hurt themselves with penalties and missed opportunities.

Patrick Pinkney (seen here in the year's spring game) won the starting quarterback spot for the game versus the Tar Heels with his strong performance in the Pirates' opener at Virginia Tech.

New coordinator Todd Fitch devised a very effective game plan that gave ECU a chance to win despite playing with three quarterbacks with either no or very minimal game reps. The Pirates’ young offensive line opened some holes and the play-calling took advantage of the Hokies’ aggressiveness with inside zone plays. Junior Patrick Pinkney and redshirt freshman Dwayne Harris exhibited confidence running a version of West Virginia’s spread read option offense. Fitch mixed effective sprint out and play action passing plays to allow the Pirates the opportunity to move the football without being high risk. Pinkney carried the ball nine times for 48 yards and completed 14 of his 25 attempts in the passing game while throwing for 115 yards.

No receiver had large gains while Phillip Henry, Jamar Bryant, TJ Lee, Steven Rogers, Juwon Crowell and Jay Sonnhalter all caught balls. This week the Pirates will certainly hope to connect on some vertical throws while getting tight end Davon Drew involved.

Dominique Lindsay led a rushing attack that yielded 142 yards on 35 carries. Lindsay totaled 50 yards on 10 attempts. Senior Chris Johnson also ran hard and scored the Pirates’ lone touchdown on a two-yard run. Freshmen Jonathan Williams and Norman Whitley played on special teams, but did not register a carry.

Defensively, North Carolina played pretty well in its opener against JMU under new coordinator and former ECU assistant (’89, ‘92-’94) Chuck Pagano—particularly when it came to defending the pass. The Tar Heels allowed only 100 yards thru the air and picked off two passes. However, they did surrender 150 rushing yards to the Dukes’ attack, which was similar to what the Pirates used in Blacksburg.

Senior linebacker Durell Mapp, who led the Heels with 87 tackles in ’06, is the unit’s leader and finished with nine stops in the opener. Senior defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer and sophomore defensive end E.J. Wilson posted are threats to pressure the quarterback. The secondary is young, as it features two redshirt freshmen. It is very athletic though with players such as junior strong safety Trimane Goddard and free safety Deunta Williams—both of who had interceptions against JMU.

Special Teams

Advantage: UNC

The Tar Heels get a slight edge in this area due to the presence of veteran star place kicker Connor Barth and kick return sensation Brandon Tate.

Barth has connected on 12 consecutive kicks after nailing a 27-yarder versus JMU. He made all ten of his attempts last season—including two from 50 plus.

Barth also handles the kickoff duties and with the help of a solid coverage team pinned the Dukes deep last weekend.

JUCO punter Terrence Brown averaged 50.2 yards per punt on four punts and had a long of 64 yards.

The Tar Heels blocked a punt against JMU, but they also possess the potential to take them to house via a return by Brandon Tate. Tate averaged 9.7 yards per punt return last season and took one back. He also returns kickoffs where he averaged 23.7 yards and scored twice in ’06.

The East Carolina kicking game is also strong. Place kicker Ben Hartman has tremendous range and punter Matt Dodge was more than adequate in his first action as a Pirate. Dodge averaged 44 yards per boot on nine attempts, but the coverage needs to improve, as the net was only 32.6.

In the return game, Chris Johnson and Jonathan Williams handled the kickoffs. Johnson is always a threat to take it the distance and was All-CUSA as a return man last year. Sure-handed Steven Rogers handled the punt returns against the Hokies, but others such as Travis Williams are available if the Pirates would like a better threat to take one the distance.

Intangibles

Advantage: ECU

Both teams have plenty to play for in this one.

East Carolina relishes the opportunity to collect a win over a BCS opponent—particularly when that foe is a bitter in-state rival. The Pirates know how much a win can help on the recruiting trail and they also realize the importance of leveling their record at 1-1 before starting CUSA play versus rival Southern Miss next week.

North Carolina, on the other hand, wants this game badly despite what some would lead you to believe. They likely view ECU as an inferior opponent and think it would be an embarrassment to lose to them. The Tar Heels are also attempting to get off to their first 2-0 start since the 2000 season when Carl Torbush coached them.
The atmosphere at sold out Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium will be electric and the Pirate faithful’s enthusiasm should only fuel the team’s fire.

Final ECU/UNC Prediction

East Carolina is the better football team. North Carolina has some quality talent, but it is young and inexperienced. The Pirates proved against Virginia Tech that their strength is in the trenches. Patrick Pinkney and the offense will build off the taste of success in the opener. Don’t be surprised if ECU runs for 200 and throws for 150. Defensively, the Pirates front seven will be too strong for the Tar Heels. The inability to establish a running game will allow ECU’s defense to pin its ears back like in week one. That pressure will minimize the damage inflicted by T.J. Yates and UNC-CH’s talented receiving corps.

East Carolina 27 - North Carolina 16