East Carolina @ Virginia Tech Preview

Pirates open season with tough road matchup in Blacksburg, VA

Date: Saturday, September 1st

Injury/Personnel Report:

Virginia Tech

OL Ed Wang, ankle; out

East Carolina

OL Doug Polochak, shoulder; out

QB Rob Kass, suspension; out

DT Khalif Mitchell, knee; questionable

OT Brandon Setzer, knee; questionable

DE Scotty Robinson, knee; questionable

CB Leon Best, ankle; questionable

LB Nick Johnson, shoulder; probable

 

General Overview

East Carolina and Virginia Tech are meeting for the first time since the 2000 season and it is almost unthinkable that the national stage could be any larger. Unfortunately, the spotlight on the game is not due to the match-up, but rather the gruesome tragedy that occurred back on April 16th of this year. ESPN’s College GameDay will be on hand as a tribute to the 32 victims and their families.

Lane Stadium will certainly be a sea of varied emotions as there will be a pre-game ceremony to honor those lost in the events of April 16 th. The atmosphere promises to feature an intensity that will be greater than ever seen before at a Virginia Tech home game—which is saying something considering the venue is widely regarded as one of the most hostile environments in college football.

As for the match-up itself, it is a series that has been owned by the Hokies ever since they gained admission to the Big East. East Carolina led the series 4-3 up to that point, but has now lost the last five (1993, 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2000).

Ironically, the last time these programs met, the game was also on a national stage and Virginia Tech was also ranked ninth. In that Thursday night tilt on ESPN, the Hokies raced to a 31-0 halftime advantage on the strength of two special teams touchdowns—vintage “Beamerball”—before cruising to a relatively easy 45-28 victory.

Since that game, the Virginia Tech program has continued to be one of the nation’s most successful programs.

The Hokies have posted 14 straight winning seasons while appearing in 14 consecutive bowl games under long-time coach Frank Beamer, who is entering his 21st season at his alma mater. Beamer, who has compiled a 156-82-2 mark in Blacksburg, is the third longest tenured coach in college football behind legends Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden. Under his guidance, Virginia Tech has developed into one of the premier programs in the nation.

Last season, the Hokies rebounded from a slow start to finish 10-3. However, their season did end with a second half collapse to Georgia in the Chick Fil-A Bowl. They return 16 starters—eight on each side of the football—from that squad and are being picked by most prognosticators to win the ACC while having an outside shot to possibly contend for their first national title.

Meanwhile, the Pirates are coming off their first bowl trip since the 2001 season. Skip Holtz and his staff have made significant strides in their first two seasons in Greenville. They look to build on them this season, but will be forced to tackle a brutal schedule—especially in September—while breaking in quarterbacks with either very little or no game experience.

Virginia Tech Offense vs. East Carolina Defense

Advantage: EVEN

Last season, Virginia Tech had its share of struggles moving the football and finished the 2006 campaign ranked 99 th nationally in total offense. Their issues were primarily a result of inconsistent play along the offensive line. However, this should not be as much of a problem this season.

Photo: sbocaj55 @ Webshots

Left tackle Duane Brown (6-5, 308), who is a fifth year player, is the lone senior and the leader of the unit. Sophomore right guard Sergio Render (6-4, 310) was a freshman All-American last season. Left guard Richard Graham (6-6, 278, RS-So), center Ryan Shuman (6-3, 314, RS-Jr.) and RT Nick Marshman (6-5, 357, RS-Jr) round out the group. The group features a couple of position changes, but a decent amount of experience and it should provide more consistent holes and protection this season.

If this group is able to make strides, the offense will likely greatly improve its production.

The Hokies return last year’s starter at quarterback in redshirt junior Sean Glennon (6-4, 225). Glennon, who doesn’t possess the running ability of some previous Tech signal-callers, possesses a good handle on the offense and has really shown good command of the offense during spring ball and fall camp. The Centreville, VA-native’s game is characterized by intelligence and physical strength. Last season, Glennon completed 56.3 percent of his passes for 2,191 yards, but threw as many interceptions as touchdowns (11)—a ratio that he’ll need to improve on this season. He’ll be backed up by true freshman Tyrod Taylor, who was considered the nation’s biggest dual threat quarterback during his final prep season in ’06.

Despite the struggles up front last year, Brandon Ore became the tenth 1,000-yard rusher in school history. Ore, who is known for his ability to break tackles, rushed for 1,137 yards (4.7 ypc) and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore. He is one of the best backs in the nation and is a preseason first team All-ACC selection.

Glennon has plenty of targets as the Hokies have one of the best, if not the best, receiving corps in the ACC. It features four seniors—Eddie Royal, Josh Hyman, Josh Morgan and Justin Harper—who have posted 4,049 career receiving yards and all run 4.4 or faster in the 40 yard dash. Royal, who hauled in 31 yards for 497 yards and three touchdowns last year, leads the unit.

While the Hokies possess a lot of weapons, they should receive a stiff challenge from what should be an improved East Carolina defense. The Pirates made major progress in ’06, as they allowed only 328 yards of offense. They return what is likely the best front seven in Conference USA and their progress will likely depend on how quickly their youthful secondary matures.

ECU has possibly the most depth it has ever had along the defensive front.

Juniors Marcus Hands (6-5, 272) and Zack Slate (6-5, 222) will start at defensive end while sophomores Scotty Robinson (6-4, 258) and C.J. Wilson (6-4, 269) should see plenty of action as reserves.

At linebacker, senior Fred Wilson (6-2, 260), who has been named for All-CUSA preseason honors, will be the starter at middle linebacker. Butkus Award candidate Quentin Cotton (6-2, 234, Jr.), who is the Pirates’ leading returning tackler, and junior Pierre Bell man the starting spots at the outside ‘backers. Sophomore Nick Johnson will likely spell Wilson while Danny Muhwezi and Jeremy Chambliss are likely to see time on the outside.

The youthful secondary should be led by starting strong safety Van Eskridge, who played outside linebacker last year. Eskridge will be joined by in the defensive backfield by sophomore Chris Mattocks (6-2, 200) and juniors Leon Best (6-0, 199) and Jerek Hewett (5-11, 184). Senior Travis Williams (5-10, 186), who is the lone returning starter, comes into the game as Hewett’s replacement.

The East Carolina defense proved to be very stout against the run last season, as seen by it holding West Virginia’s Steve Slaton under 90 yards.

East Carolina Offense vs. Virginia Tech Defense

Advantage: VIRGINIA TECH

While there are many reasons to be excited about the East Carolina defense, many question marks exist on the offensive side of the ball. The Pirates are faced with the challenge of replacing the production supplied by three-year starting quarterback James Pinkney, two-year big threat receiver Aundrae Allison, running back Brandon Fractious and reliable receiving options Bobby Good and Kevin Roach.

The concerns don’t stem from a lack of talent, but simply a lack of experience. For instance, the Pirates will start a quarterback who has never taken a snap in a game. Redshirt sophomore Brett Clay (6-0, 201), who will likely receive the start due to Rob Kass’ recent suspension, brings mobility to the position. While Clay was slated to back up Kass, he had been pushing him through spring and fall drills. He should give the Pirates just as good of a chance to win. However, don’t be surprised if junior Patrick Pinkney (6-0, 198) and redshirt freshman Dwayne Harris (6-0, 199) also receive snaps.

Another question mark for the ECU offense is the line. Seniors Matt Butler (6-4, 306) and Josh Coffman (6-7, 292) return to anchor the left guard and tackle spots. However, the remaining trio—Fred Hicks (6-0, 306, Jr.), Doug Palmer (6-3, 306, So.) and D.J. Scott (6-6, 309, RS-Fr.)—will be making their first starts.

Despite losing their most turned to option in Allison, the Pirates do welcome back some proven threats at receiver in Steven Rogers and Phillip Henry. Sophomore Jamar Bryant and junior college All-American TJ Lee are probably the most likely candidates to replace Allison as ECU’s big play threats. Dwayne Harris, Juwon Crowell and Alex Taylor are other solid options for Clay.

With such a young quarterback, it has to be comforting for Holtz and the Pirates’ offensive staff to know that it has such a deep and talented stable of running backs to lean on—assuming the offensive line can provide them with some room to run. Senior Chris Johnson (5-11, 203) and junior Dominique Lindsay (5-10, 207) are slated as the starters. Johnson, who played wide receiver the second half of last season, possesses blazing 4.25 speed while Lindsay has shown his effectiveness between the tackles. Redshirt freshman Norman Whitley and true freshman Jonathan Williams are likely to see carries as well. Whitley provides the offense with a shifty back and Williams has really impressed with his combination of strength and speed during fall camp.

All the Pirates’ inexperienced offensive unit will be asked to do is face what has been the nation’s best defense the past two seasons. The Hokies, who have consistently been a “blue-collar” defense under long-time coordinator Bud Foster, return eight starters from that unit. Tech led the nation in total defense, scoring defense and pass defense in 2006. Foster’s bunch brought their “Pail” on a regular basis, as they surrendered an average of 11 points and 219.5 yards per contest.

Linebackers Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi lead the unit, which many think could be the best in school history. Hall was a first-team All-ACC performer last season when he registered 128 tackles, which included 10.5 for losses. Adibi totaled 82 stops while recording three interceptions.

Victor “Macho” Harris headlines a secondary that returns three starters. Harris picked off a team-high four passes last year. At the other corner, Brandon Flowers is back. Flowers had three interceptions a year ago.

Up front, three starters return and the Hokies should be able to get more than an adequate amount of pressure on opposing quarterbacks again this season.

Special Teams

Advantage: VIRGINIA TECH

Each team has question marks in the kicking phase of their special teams while each also has solid returnmen at its disposal.

Matt Dodge, who punted for Appalachian State in 2005, will be making his first start since transferring to East Carolina. Dodge averaged 39.7 for the Mountaineers during their national title season in ’05, but must have a sense of urgency against one of the nation’s premier punt blocking teams.

Placekicker Ben Hartman was a part-time starter in ’06, but he will be kicking off for the first time in this game. Hartman has 55-yard range and consistently puts the ball to the goal line on kickoffs.

Virginia Tech’s punter will be Brent Bowden, who will be the Hokies’ first right-footed starter at the position since 1995.

Jud Dunlevy is scheduled to be the starting placekicker and kickoff man. Dunlevy made a 51-yard field goal during a JV game in 2005, but neither he nor Bowden possess experience.

The Pirates’ punt team must execute in a timely fashion to prevent any blocked kicks, but it must also cover well to negate any big returns by the speedy Eddie Royal. Royal, who is one of the nation’s premier returnmen, also brings back kickoffs. When combined with Josh Morgan, the Hokies feature a deadly duo.

East Carolina has a strong return game as well, as it features blazer Chris Johnson. “CJ” was an All-CUSA KO return man last season, which was largely due to his electrifying run back at Southern Miss in which he simply outran the Golden Eagles’ coverage team. Jerek Hewett is likely to be the Pirates’ other deep man.

Dwayne Harris, Steven Rogers and Travis Williams are all possibilities to bring back Bowden’s punts. Harris possesses very good elusiveness and play-making ability while Rogers is a proven commodity. Phil Steele regards Williams as one of the best punt returners nationally, but his poor decision-making has resulted in him being relieved of his duties in the past.

Intangibles

Advantage: VIRGINIA TECH

How could you not give Virginia Tech the edge in this area? After all, Virginia Tech is playing for the 32 victims of the April 16th tragedy and feature endless sources of motivation.

There should be enough attention on this game that the Hokies don’t turn their focus to LSU prematurely.

In addition to the added motivation, Frank Beamer teams traditionally do the little things that are necessary to win.

East Carolina isn’t lacking for motivation either. The Pirates realize that hardly anyone other than their own fans will be pulling for them this week and that essentially no one is giving them a chance to compete—muchless win this game against the Hokies.

Final ECU/Virginia Tech Prediction

East Carolina is going to enter this game around a four-touchdown underdog. However, the Hokies will be hardpressed to cover such a big spread. The Pirates’ defense should keep them in it for awhile borrowing any special teams or defensive touchdowns for the Hokies. But, in the end, the inability of the East Carolina offense to muster much success against what has been the nation’s premier defense will result in them falling in the season opener in Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech 27 - East Carolina 6