Yards Carolina

2010 East Carolina Predictions

First-year head coach Ruffin McNeill will attempt to pick up where Skip Holtz left off by bringing his pass-happy Texas Tech style offense to the East Carolina Pirates. After finishing first with a conference record of 7-1, ECU topped off their season finishing 9-5 overall and winning their second consecutive C-USA East title, holding off Houston 38-32. They followed falling to the Arkansas Razorbacks 20-17 in the 2009 Liberty Bowl, on Alex Tejada’s 37-yard field goal in overtime. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise remarkable season.

Now McNeill, who spent 10 seasons as an assistant at Texas Tech, will try to pick up what’s left of his coaching staff and returning players and move on in an attempt to improve upon the team’s recent success. A task that will test his ability to groom the inexperienced talent that will fill the holes of exiting skilled positioned players, like senior QB Patrick Pinkney, whose departure has left the Pirates offense with no bona fide heir to the throne. McNeill will no doubt be focused on making that a priority before fall reporting, as much of this year’s line of attack will depend on passing the football.

Here’s a closer look at the 2010 East Carolina Pirates to help make your College Football wagers winners.

Offense:

The great quarterback race has begun and the top three contenders are neck and neck coming into the stretch.     
Although just a sophomore, walk-on Brad Wornick seems to have a leg up on the position. He threw for 226 yards with two TDs and one interception in the annual spring Purple and Gold game, and has plugged right into McNeill’s Texas Tech-style offense.  He is being closely drafted by redshirt freshman Rio Johnson who also performed well in the spring competition, leading three separate consecutive scoring drives. But he can’t claim the job either as coming up behind is Josh Jordan. Though, only a sophomore, he is the only frontrunner that brings any real experience at this level, making three appearances for ECU in 2009.

While the Pirates quarterback quest continues, their assortment of receivers is an impressive collection, starting with key contributor from last season, WR Dwayne Harris. The senior had a whopping 83 catches for 978 receiving yards, 149 rush yards and 12 total TDs last season. Equally adept is junior Darryl Freeney, whose 48 catches garnered 718 total yards and 3 TDs. With McNeill’s pass-heavy offense, both players could see a huge increase in those stats in the upcoming season.

Powering one of the conference’s better offensive lines will be three returning senior starters.

It’s a good thing McNeill’s game plan won’t include a mass amount of running plays, as the Pirates backfield is a disaster.

After being arrested on numerous charges last March, running back Brandon Jackson was dismissed from the program, while tailback Giavanni Ruffin will spend the entire 2010 season as a spectator. Senior Jonathan Williams, who had carried for just 38 yards in 2009, will likely shoulder the bulk of the load.

Defense:

East Carolina’s vacancies are not just limited to the offense. With just two returning defensive starters, the Pirates will scramble to replace six departing all-league seniors. 

Since using the blitz will be an important element of McNeill’s defensive design, this will be a high priority in getting the job done. After being one of the league’s best last season, the seven starters slated to start in 2010, combined for fewer than 30 tackles between them in 2009.

Cornerbacks Emanuel Davis (69 tackles, 2 INT) and Travis Simmons will both be back in the secondary.

2010 Prediction: Fourth in the CUSA East - Although the passing frenzy could be quite entertaining, the Pirates could be in for a long season if they fail to turn up some skilled players on the defensive side of the football. The team has had some great runs over the past few years, but now enters a painful rebuilding mode under the direction of a new head coach.  Combined with a tough schedule, that includes a road game against No. 10 Virginia Tech in Week 3, ECU will need be patient while being content with a fourth place finish in 2010.

For a detailed look at the 2010 Conference USA predictions check this out.

Also be sure stay up to date on all the college football odds right here this season. And check in often for more college football picks to help make your betting experience a winner.

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Mario Manningham goes for 25 yards vs Carolina Panthers 2010