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Pirates Conference USA East Division Champs Save Email Print
Posted: 5:04 AM Nov 22, 2008
Last Updated: 10:08 PM Nov 22, 2008
Reporter: Bill DiNicola

A | A | A

The Pirates are Conference USA East Division Champs for the first time and are now headed to the Conference USA Championship game.

The Blazers scored first on a Joe Webb rushing touchdown to make it 7-0. The Pirates answered back with a Patrick Pinkney to Davon Drew touchdown pass to tie it at 7.

ECU had a chance to tie the game on a 43 yard Ben Hartman field goal but it hit the goal post and was no good. UAB also had a chance to go ahead with a 26 yard field goal, but kicker Swayze Waters missed.

ECU had the chance to regain the lead but Hartman missed his second field goal of the night. Waters was able to put one in from 27 yards out to give the Blazers a three point lead.

The Pirates tied it in the third quarter on a 47 yard field goal by Hartman. Waters put the Blazers back in front with a 23 yard field goal.

With around 2:00 to go Brandon Simmons punched it in for the Pirates to take the lead 17-13.

UAB was driving with about 1:20 to go when Pierre Bell intercepted a Webb pass to clinch the victory for the Pirates.

The Pirates will play either Tulsa, Houston or Rice in the championship game.

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Posted by: The Pirate Lady Location: Grimesland on Dec 1, 2008 at 11:04 PM
Hey deadfish, sorry I'm just getting back to you. To answer your question, our recruiting efforts could be a LOT better! Looking at UNC's recruiting list, I saw maybe ONE 2 star recruit. Us? Half our list! I know Skip's all about finding diamonds in the rough, but let's get some pure diamonds! My big three, as far as ECU's football program goes: 1. Better recruiting, 2. Better regular season/post season records, and 3. a coach that will stay longer than 4 years. We can't get anywhere if we're having to start over every 3 or 4 years from scratch.

Posted by: Big T Location: greenville on Dec 1, 2008 at 02:49 PM
No don't agree with the 12-0. I could swallow a good 10-2 or maybe even 11-1 with NO injuries. Also the BCS system wouldn't let a CUSA team be ranked higher than 8 or 9 even with a spotless record. Lets hope we can pull of a win against Tulsa (which is doubtful barring a day like last friday) and a good bowl win to help our recruiting effort. The pressure needs to be put on Skippy but it also needs to be put on Holland. If Skip bolts to Syracuse (Orangemen website says they are positively interested ESPECIALLY given the coaching with all the adversity)I think Holland should surrender any incentives he is due in relation to this season. It's no good to get a good coach if you can't keep a good coach.

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Nov 27, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Sam's jokes: -ECU>12-0 -#4 or #5= HAH? Sam can you spell delusional or denial? How about spelling realistic or rationale? You'll get rich selling that fertilizer! The farmers around here will line-up for miles!

Posted by: joepirate Location: greenville on Nov 27, 2008 at 08:52 AM
hey deadfish..obviously you know nothing about college football. If you did, you would realize that unc IS a bcs team. since your know very little about college football, let me tell you the conferences that are bcs. pac-10, big-10, ACC (which includes UNC), big east, big-12 and sec. quit writing posts about your college football knowledge if you have none. Please do your homework. i know a lot more college football. thank you.

Posted by: Hey Sam Location: Plymouth on Nov 26, 2008 at 10:57 PM
If you want to use the injury factor (which is a poor excuse) look back at NC State at the beginning of the year. They just became healthy right before their last 3 games (3-0). They actually beat ECU when they had 9 guys on the DL. I guess injuries aren't the only thing bothering ECU, dumb--- decisions as well. Like giving Jonathan WIlliams a scholarship. If ECU should be 4th or 5th in the nation, a few injuries should definately not knock them all the way out of the top 25!

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 26, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Sam you actually think that ECU would be 12-0 if it weren't for the injuries?? You are on the same boat with joepirate when it comes to thinking ECU is the greatest team in football. Injuries are such a lame excuse in sports. After ECU loses to UTEP and probably Tulsa they will be a 7-6 team heading to the Diamond Walnut Bowl. MARK MY WORDS OF WISDOM!

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Nov 26, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Sam: It doesn't matter if Skip's last name is Holtz or NOT his résumé is NOT thick enough, period. Dave: Syracuse is NOT CFB program it once was. The recruiting will be tougher than it is for Skip Holtz in NC. BTW Syracuse AD Dr. Gross used to be the Asst AD at USC. joepirate: Please do your homework. Some NON BCS schools have one 5 star recruit every once in a while. UNC has at least one. You're right they might not win the conference. The PAC-10 does NOT have a championship game. USC is rated #5. If they don't go to the Rose Bowl they either go to the Fiesta or the Sugar Bowl. You did NOT make a case. Incidentally the PAC-10 has three rated teams. I know a little CFB, thank you. Mr. Barry: Happy turkey to you too, Sir, thank you. I don't have anything against ECU. I still insist you deserve better and your athletic and school administration leadership is a lot to be desired. As I noted earlier your recruiting has improved some but could be better. It is up to you to push Mr.Holtz

Posted by: Sam Location: Williamston on Nov 26, 2008 at 04:02 PM
If it was not for the injuries and suspensions that the pirates had, they would easily be 12-0, probably # 4 or 5 and headed to a BCS bowl after winning the C-USA championship. Also N.C. State has given the state of NC the title of the worst college football state in the south. Yea they were 4-0 against the state, but 1-6 against out of state schools, with a win over some Division Two school i beleive. ECU is the only school in the state that can actually win a bowl game at least since 2003, when state had Philip Rivers. We beat who could be the ACC and the Big East Champions, so how about that you State fans pulling for a team with a losing record. ECU has got the best record in the state as well.

Posted by: Sam Location: Williamston on Nov 26, 2008 at 03:49 PM
The only way Skip Holtz would leave ECU is if he went to Notre Dame. Way to go pirates and lets take out Houston, Tulsa, or Rice, whoever it ends up being. This goes out to T from Washington, I got your back on the debate buddy.

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 26, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Skip Holtz is going to Syracuse. Bank on it!

Posted by: joepirate Location: greenville on Nov 26, 2008 at 12:46 PM
hey deadfish...usc is a bcs team with tradition...they are supposed to get good recruits. non bcs teams never get 5 star recruits. and u act like usc is all that..they're not even gonna win their conference. its pretty bad when you are supposed to be the greatest team in college football, and u can't even win the pac-10, which is the worst bcs conference... since all your 5 star recruits are so good, why do u need oregon state to lose to oregon? I wonder how many 5 star recruits oregon state has...i venture to say NONE. i rest my case..thank you.

Posted by: Barry Location: Greenville on Nov 26, 2008 at 11:52 AM
deadfish: Evidently, you really enjoy being the big fish (Defender of The Glorious USC) in a little pond; pun fully intended. We Pirates will enjoy our program from up close, while you revel in Trojan glory from 2600 miles away. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Nov 25, 2008 at 11:26 PM
joepirate: A mediocre division won by a very mediocre team: ECU. You don't hear Pete Carroll talking about excuses. They lost their best corner for the season. They lost one of their best safeties for three games. They lost their best LB for a couple of games. Should I continue? Despite ALL of them USC has the best defense in the nation. ECU would NOT beat USC's second team and they'll be lucky if they get 15 points. Do you know WHY? USC may have one three star player in their entire roster. That is called superb recruiting, OK? If Skip Holtz is such a good coach why he lose the locker room after the NC St game that led to three consecutive loses? you call that good coaching, please? You call good coaching having a discipline problem right after the other? Then the media has feast and a hell of a laugh at your ECU athletes expense? Should I go on? In case you have forgotten the Head Coach ABC's: Lead, Teach and Recruit. Rest my case... Thank you

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 25, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Well Barry, every site needs the bad guy and I fit that role accordingly. It's not so much ECU that I hate, it is the UNREALISTIC fans who think that ECU is the best team in football. joepirate and Scalawag fit that bill nicely.

Posted by: Barry Location: Greenville on Nov 25, 2008 at 09:42 PM
T: Thank you. Perhaps I should have chosen Psychiatry. Dave: I patiently await your response, or not... Maybe you will choose another diversionary one-liner. By the way, wanna a referral?

Posted by: T Location: Washington on Nov 25, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Dave... I think Barry has called you out, and has your number. By the way, when does your flight leave?

Posted by: Scalawag on Nov 25, 2008 at 08:44 PM
With every win and now a major milestone achieved,lets all push the powers that the Pirate Nation has to join the Big East conference.

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 25, 2008 at 08:16 PM
joepirate ECU is going to get beaten by at least 3 TD's in the CUSA Title game no matter who they play. Take it to the bank!

Posted by: Barry Location: Greenville on Nov 25, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Dave: Hey buddy! No, feet and legs are pretty boring IMO. A far wittier response from you would have been a Proctologist. C'mon man ! Do you want me to start writing your retorts for you?! That was sitting there for the taking and you swung and missed. Or did you confuse the two terms with that PSU education of yours? FWIW, I am an FP (either look it up or come up with one of your patented ill thought Dave retorts that plays on the acronym "FP"). However, all that aside, you did not answer my very reasonable questions to you. What purpose does the hate serve my man? Really.

Posted by: joepirate on Nov 25, 2008 at 01:35 PM
hey deadfish...injuries are a part of the game.. but to lose that many starters is ridiculous..if you were able to read, you could see that there were no excuses made. I simply stated that Holtz did an excellent coaching job this year, and won the east division even after the injuries and suspensions. If any other team lost what we lost, they would crumble. pretend that florida lost tebow, harvin and half of there defensive starters to injury. They would NOT be playing for an SEC championship. FACTS are FACTS. skip did a great job coaching. here is a toast to all the haters..especially deadfish and dave..see u in the c-usa championship game...ARRRRRGGGGGHHHH!!!

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 25, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Remember deadfish all Oregon State has to do is beat Oregon Saturday and the Beavers are ROSE BOWL BOUND no matter what USC does. Therefore, POLLS MEAN NOTHING in this case. Thanks for reading.

Posted by: Big T Location: greenville on Nov 25, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Agreed, Dave may be a P.I.T.A. but it is his right to live where he likes..oops has to. Besides, this blog wouldn't be what it is with out dave. I think all will concur. And joepirate, I am a pirate fan too, however, we have got problems that going to games yelling Rah Rah Rah in the stands isn't going to fix. I too believe ECU was a bit hasty in givin' Skip and especially Holland their fat raises. They need to get that amount I agree, but through incentive packages. They need to be rewarded for success, not progress. I also believe that should we receive a bowl invitation it may be in ECU's best interest to decline. Poor performance not only uncovers the need for recruiting talent it also hinders the ability to attract talent. Now should ECU blow UTEP out of the water and we have a respectable performance in CUSA title game, I may change my opinion. But losses by 40 points will not help the recruiting cause.

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Nov 25, 2008 at 09:43 AM
A while ago I came across this link that reported Mr. Skip Holtz a Syracuse HC candidate: http://www.insidesocal.com/usc/ John: A FREE country means you can live anywhere in IT therefore what gives you the right to tell anybody differently? Thank you. Dave: USC is rated #5 on both AP and BCS polls respectively, thank you. Later

Posted by: John Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Dave, It's a free country....so why don't you go back up North? Wuss

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Med school Barry? I guess that means you are a Podiatrist?

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 07:08 PM
joepirate you epitomize the exact reason why I hate ECU. It's unrealistic fans like you who give ECU a BAD name.

Posted by: Barry Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Dave: No one will begrudge the fact that you like PSU, that is your alma mater. But, you also attend ECU for graduate school. Some questions: Exactly why your disdain for ECU? Why not make ECU your 2nd favorite college team, while still primarily backing PSU? Afterall, your time, efforts, money go here now and you will hopefully soon be an ECU alum. I received my undergrad. at another school and then completed med school at ECU and readily became a fan and devotee. This type of fandom process is quite typical. (Or you can be like deadfish, attend military near a powerhouse and fall in love with said college program!)So, what specific emotional needs of yours are fulfilled by openly disliking ECU and eastern North Carolinians so much? It reeks psychopathology. And, again, I know Pennsylvania, so please do elaborate about where exactly in the Keystone State that you hail from before deriding others as "Hickville".

Posted by: Big T Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Dave this is for you, and you know I like PSU, you also know I am a realist when it comes to ECU. We will play Tulsa for CUSA championship and have our backsides handed to us in all liklihood. You are the unrealistic one. PSU faced 6 teams with losing records (Syracuse,Temple,Illinois,Purdue,Michigan, and Indiana) 2 mediocre teams at best (Wisconsin and Iowa in which PSU lost) 1 team with a good record but only slightly larger than a community college (Coastal Carolina) 2 Teams that were ok but rarely played to their potential (Oregon State (beat USC?correct?)and Michigan State) and 1 good team(Ohio State)who was no where near the caliber that they usually are. That is why I say PSU had a weak schedule. Their opponent's cumulative records are just over .500 (.507 to be precise or a meager 71-69) If I didn't learn anything else from deadfish it was to back up my comments with facts. Unless PSU faces #8 or below in bowl-they will lose. If USC...every Trojan on team will get to play!

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Nov 24, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Dave: With ALL due respect ECU in the Big 10 it is unrealistic. Ken: Please what other conference would you suggest ECU should move to? If they move to the ACC they get clobbered by Wake, UNC and NC State. Keep your eye on Duke who has done a terrific recruiting job. With ALL due respect please research before you state an unfounded shallow assessment. joepirate; FB is a violent sport therefore injuries are part of the game and every CFB team has them. Making that an excuse is senseless; please move on. Furthermore accept the fact that ECU is a mediocre team with mediocre leadership both at HC and AD NOT to mention even higher up. They win two high profile games and the first thing they do is they extend the contract to Mr. Holtz and to Mr. Holland. Based on the team's NOT so impressive performance can you justify those salaries? keep in mind that more than likely the ticket prices will be paid by you ECU fans. How many of you ECU fans have a 6 figure income? HUM? Thanks

Posted by: Jack Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Joepirate, what are you drinking? The best thing for Holtz to do is bolt for a BCS coaching job. There is absolutely nothing here for the Pirates, a measly Conference USA Title if that? And as for the Wolfpack!! Ecu cares!!! LOL!!!

Posted by: Big T Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Look at the cumulative records, and heck, simply who they played. It would be a travesty if PSU didn't have a winning record! Dave you are a good guy but you are a bit simple sometimes.

Posted by: native Location: nc on Nov 24, 2008 at 01:11 PM
WHO REALLY CARES?

Posted by: joepirate Location: greenville,nc on Nov 24, 2008 at 01:11 PM
who cares about the wolfpack...lets talk about a team that will actually make it to a bowl game...anyone who questions the coaching is stupid. this is the best coaching job in the nation by far. If any other team would have lost as many players as we have, they would have crumbled. and its not like we lost a bunch of 3rd stringers. We lost starters at every position. Good job Skip and the pirates. ARRRGGGHHH!!!

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Hey Big T, if ECU was in the Big 10 they wouldn't win a single conference game. Therefore, I don't understand how you can say Penn State had a soft schedule.

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 01:08 PM
WELL SAID Ken!! You took the words out of my mouth!

Posted by: willie Location: Havelock on Nov 24, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Congratulations to the Pirates for winnng the East Division, but it was ugly to say the least. Yes the team has been severly hurt with injuries and suspentions but question the coaching. James Pickney has been terrible since his great first two game start. What does Coach Holt have against Kass? Same for Hartman, he is just as terrible but he keeps playing. I hope we win against UTEP for the fans and at least play a decent game for the CUSA Championship, but a bowl acceptance should be declined. Lets stop the bleeding and reload for next year.

Posted by: Jack Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 11:23 AM
"WOLFPACK IN THE HOUSE!!!" Way to go Wolfpack!! They are the State Champions, much more exciting to talk about than ECU.

Posted by: Ken Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 11:21 AM
It's good for the Pirates to play for the conference championship, but overall I really don't think most people even care. They are in a junk conference with junk teams. They need to get into another conference somehow!!

Posted by: Big T Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 11:15 AM
It was a win, an ugly win, but a win nonetheless. And the only thing sad about that is that I am afraid the CUSA title game is going to be ugly. I am sure that is to Dave and deadfish's liking. And T (regular T) Penn State (whom I also like) is only doing as well as they are for the same reason ECU is. They are a mediocre team with a pathetic schedule. Thanks for the info "fish", last I checked, Ecu only had 1 3-star and 2-star recruits committed. I understand the QB from west craven is coming to ECU (is this a fact?) If so, its a good choice for him because he WILL start as a true freshman if he does. I honestly believe that West Craven (HS) could compete with ECU right now. Mooring is an underrated quarterback, I hope he does come to ECU, I also hope they dump the troublemaker and pick up a good back. Thay boys "ride" needs to go to a kid who will appreciate it. I agree pirate lady, I could coach the defense of an ecu opponent, way too predictable. Yeah dave, I get it too!

Posted by: Think about this Location: Gville on Nov 24, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Way to go Pirates. It has been a rough season with all the injuries and suspensions. I hope Skip will be back for next season.. I have a feeling some big schools with deep pockets will come knocking on the coach's door very soon...

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Nov 24, 2008 at 08:45 AM
TPL I dislike ECU due to a few incidents that I have personally witnessed. I was once young, wild and stupid as a college student. Compared to what I've seen I was an angel. I don't have a problem with some ECU people. Just like ECU and their fans I also learned a few lessons in humility as an USC fan. Pirate Lady, you are correct I am a nice guy. Back to CFB according to Rivals ECU has four three stars recruits. That's NOT too bad! However it can be better, why NOT? You decide! Happy turkey and happy holidays ECU fans.

Posted by: Dwayne Location: Greenville on Nov 24, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Getting it done with a badly injured team? Awesome. Not looking past UTEP, but congratulations on making it to the CUSA Championship game. Go Pirates!

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 23, 2008 at 09:54 PM
Pirate Lady I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts and admire your love for ECU. You are one of the fans who actually gets it. (No I'm not being sarcastic either)

Posted by: Ken Location: Farmville on Nov 23, 2008 at 06:42 PM
How about them WOLFPACK!!!! They are the UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA!

Posted by: a pirate fan on Nov 23, 2008 at 06:30 PM
hard to believe with all the injuries, but congratulations. the team has taken many punches, wonder what would have happened if we were 100%. keep strong and keep on believing. your angels are with you all!!

Posted by: The Pirate Lady Location: Grimesland on Nov 23, 2008 at 03:11 PM
T, you're never going to get Dave and Deadfish on the ECU bandwagon, so I wouldn't bother arguing with them or questioning their hatred of ECU. I'm sure outside of this forum, they're probably the nicest guys you'll meet (no, I'm not being sarcastic...ooh, big word for the ECU alum...now I'm being sarcastic, lol). Anyway, that was an ugly win, but we'll take it. But I was downright embarrassed for ECU and UAB as well with the attendance. I've heard that UAB has a low attendance rate, but dang! I think Tulane moves up a notch as having the worst crowd attendance. UAB could at least paint their bleachers to simulate a crowd like they do in the Super Dome. But back to the Pirates; if we stand even a tiny snow ball's chance of winning the championship, we need to revise the playbook and come up with something. We're running the same plays game in and game out and everyone knows what we're going to do before we do it. We need to get out of that comfort zone and shake things up.

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 23, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Oh, and deadfish your USC boys probably aren't going to the Rose Bowl either! It will be Penn State and Oregon State.

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 23, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Hey T, that FREE trip to Yankeeville sounds AWESOME! I will be leaving Hickville in January 2010. Keep in touch!!

Posted by: David on Nov 23, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Not a great win, but a win is better than a loss. Good job Pirates. AARRGGHH

Posted by: deadfish Location: nc on Nov 23, 2008 at 10:39 AM
A mediocre team going to a championship game=[PATHETIC]... worst yet going to a bowl. Definitely there is something wrong with these bowl commitees... SAD...

Posted by: T Location: Washington on Nov 23, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Dave.. Why do u compare ECU and Penn State? It doesn't take a NASA rocket scientist, such as yourself, to realize we are not in the same category as Penn State. Everyone knows Penn State is a very good ball team who deserves the Rose Bowl, as they have earned it. Why not, for once, give props to ECU for their accomplishment. We are injury plaqued, yet we still find a way to win in CONFERENCE USA. Heres a promise. If you leave Greenville, I will pay for your ticket back to Yankee-ville. I can assure you will not be missed.

Posted by: No Location: Greenville on Nov 22, 2008 at 10:21 PM
TIme to get rid of Hartman. He couldn't get an acorn in a pool.

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 22, 2008 at 10:11 PM
WOO HOO YAY FOR ECU!! I'm jealous because the only thing that Penn State got this season was a lousy trip to the ROSE BOWL!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 22, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Way to Go Pirates!!! You pulled it off!

Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Nov 22, 2008 at 09:57 PM
This looks about as close as a Division II game if I've ever seen one.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 22, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Where are all the fans the standium is empty does UAB not have any fans or something...

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 22, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Go Pirates!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 22, 2008 at 04:19 PM
please say its basketball

Posted by: Mike Location: Dunn on Nov 22, 2008 at 03:03 PM
I sure wish you would stream this live on your website so those outside of your viewing area would have an opportunity to watch the Pirates in action.