AP Poll Week 7: ECU (No. 18)

In a week that sees a new top-ranked team for the first time since November of last year, ECU finds themselves bumping up just one spot in the AP Poll this week.

In the Amway Coaches’ Poll, the Pirates jumped up three sports, ranked No. 16 in the land in those rankings.

Another North Carolina team, Duke, also received votes in both polls this week, but are not ranked after their road win over No. 22 Georgia Tech on Saturday.

Meanwhile, ECU is coming off a big comeback win over conference foe South Florida last night, marking their first-ever win over the Bulls in the programs’ five total meetings.

Quarterback Shane Carden finished with a season-low 250 yards and just one passing touchdown to running back Breon Allen.

Allen also had a rushing touchdown in addition to his team-high 124 yards on the ground, carrying the load for the usually explosive Pirate offense, which found itself limited against the Bulls.

Oct 11, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; East Carolina Pirates running back Breon Allen (25) runs into the end zone after a 35-yard touchdown pass against the against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

ECU’s defense also gave up yards through the air, as USF quarterback Mike White had a season-high 257 yards passing and reciever Andre Davis had 124 yards receiving along with the lone passing touchdown of the game.

They were able to contain freshman phenom running back Marlon Mack, who totaled up just 61 yards on the ground.

The Pirates were down 17-7 at halftime, but then rallied with 21 unanswered points in the second half from Allen, Marquez Grayson and Anthony Scott’s game-clinching 20-yard run midway through the fourth quarter.

ECU (5-1, 2-0 AAC) will have a bye week this week, and head coach Ruffin McNeill will look for a much more focused team in a Thursday night home showdown against UConn on Oct. 23.