East Carolina 2008 College Football Picks & Predictions
August 19, 2008
Skip Holtz has put the East Carolina football program on the map with a 20-17 record in three years here. An 8-5 season in ‘07 was capped off with an exciting 41-38 victory over Boise State in the Hawaii Bowl last year. With 17 starters back, including nine on defense, ECU should be strong again. Find out how strong as the Info Plays team gives their 2008 East Carolina Pirates football predictions and season preview below.
Offense:
Skip Holtz has built a diverse offense that provides lots of options for playmakers to make plays. The 2007 offense set school record in points (403) and touchdowns (52). That was all with speedy running back Chris Johnson, who led the nation in all-purpose yards. The Pirates will miss Johnson’s 1,423 rushing yards and his 17 touchdowns grabs during his final season. Dominique Lindsay is the likely replacement, but Brandon Simmons, Norman Whitley, Jonathan Williams and J.R. Rogers will all get their shot. Patrick Pinkney and Rob Kass form a tag-team at quarterback. Pinkney completed 61 percent of his passes and threw 11 TD’s to jus 4 interceptions last year. Kass was efficient as well, throwing for nine scores with four picks.
Pinkney can run the ball, while Kass is a pocket passer. Holtz likes utilizing both of their talents because their different skills make it difficult on a defense. Jamar Bryant, who had TD grabs in six of the Pirates’ final eight games, returns to lead the receiving unit. There will be good competition behind Bryant, with Dwayne Harris set at the opposite wideout spot. Alex Taylor and Alabama transfer Reyn Willis will compete for the other spots. Harris recorded 782 all-purpose yards last year as their second leading returnee. The interior of the line features T.J. Harper and Doug Palmer at guard, with Sean Allen at center. Stanley Bryant returns at left tackle, but much of the line is still unsettled, with Holtz claiming that 10 linemen could compete for the five spots.
ECU Running backs are shining despite injuries. Follow their fall practice here.
Defense:
ECU has to overcome their defensive woes. The Pirates had a stretch in midseason where they allowed 34 or more points in six of seven games. This porous defense allowed 26 touchdowns through the air and an average of 289 passing yards per game. With nine starters back, the defense should be much improved. Senior Jerek Hewitt will man one corner with Daryl Reynolds opposite him. Hewitt was sixth on the team with 49 tackles. Van Eskridge and J.J. Milbrook will battle it out at free safety. Eskridge led the Pirates with 104 tackles, while Millbrook led the team with three picks.
Quentin Cotton returns at outside linebacker and will be joined by Melvin Patterson. Cotton’s 11 tacles for loss were second on the team. Nick Johnson controls the middle linebacker spot where the Pirates need him to be more aggressive. Linebacker Pierre Bell underwent offseason surgery and was held out of spring drills. He should be vital piece in the fall after recording 97 tackles last season. Zack Slate led the team with 11.5 tackle for loss, and he’ll be joined by C.J. Wilson as a pair of very productive ends. Slate operates with quickness, while Wilson’s forte is his power.
East Carolina Predictions at Info Plays: 3rd Conference USA East Division
The Pirates were within an upset loss to Marshall of representing the East in the Conference USA championship. How much of that success had to do with all-purpose leader Chris Johnson is the question. Holtz has the program moving in the right direction, but a higher climb might rest on the defensive efficiency. Third place in the East Division is the likely spot the Pirates will fill at year’s end.
Conference USA Wins Expected in ‘08: at Tulane, MARSHALL, at UAB, UTEP
Potential Scares/Losses: HOUSTON, MEMPHIS, at UCF, at Southern Miss