East Carolina Pirates vs Virginia Tech Hokies Preview
The East Carolina Pirates return home this weekend after a tough game against the Navy Midshipmen. Things do not get any easier with the Virginia Tech Hokies on the schedule. A run defense that was gashed by the triple option will have to face another team that depends on a ground control running game.
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At least it is not the option, seeing as the Pirates played the Florida Gators pretty close and they play a system closer to the Hokies than the option. However it is worth noting that teams that play Navy generally lose their next game. Ask Ohio State who played Navy and then lost to Virginia Tech the next week last season.
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Opponent: Virginia Tech Hokies (2-1)
Date: September 26
TV: ABC/ESPN2
Venue: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium
X – More Running, More Stopping the Run
The Hokies actually do throw the ball, but they also average a little over two hundred rushing yards per game. This means that they will try to keep the ECU offense off the field by ball control running. By doing this they will hope to dominate time of possession. That way if the game is close late, the Pirate defense will be on its last legs.
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Husker Corner
Y – Do Not Play Beamerball
The Hokie gameplan has traditionally been conservative and relies on defeating its opponents with defense and special teams. Turnovers and big blocked kicks feature as part of the gameplan. Therefore the Pirates need to make sure that those things do not happen. No Blake Kemp interceptions and no blocked punts.
Z – A Year Later and things are Different
Last year, the Hokies were rebuilding their team and adapting new quarterback Michael Brewer. Last year the Pirates had their senior laden offense at its peak efficiency. This year the Hokies have adjusted and the Pirates are now rebuilding to a certain extent. Considering last year’s game went down to the wire, the Hokies should have the advantage.
Prediction: 28-17 Hokies