East Carolina Pirates
2000 record: 8-4 (5-2).
Coach: Steve Logan (10th year, 59-44).
Starters returning: 6 offense, 8 defense, 1 kicker.
Outlook: The Pirates have all the pieces to win a C-USA title, but will
they be able to find the consistency? Offensively, QB David Garrard is one of
the league's best, but struggled in his decision making at times and presided
over several sub-par outputs that cost the Pirates the conference title last
season. He has one of C-USA's top runners in fullback Leonard Henry behind
him, but there are holes at receiver. On defense, Logan returns nine starters, including preseason defensive player of the year Pernell Griffin, a senior linebacker.
Keep an eye on: David Garrard. C-USA observers have been waiting for Garrard to become the next Michael Vick. He's big (6-3, 240) and has a strong arm. He's a punishing runner and at times has shown a great ability to deliver the
ball. If he can master his decision making skills and throw fewer
interceptions, he could find himself being highly sought after by the NFL.
Key game: Aside from their conference showdown with Louisville in
November, the Pirates have two major non-conference opportunities at Syracuse
on Sept. 15 and at North Carolina on Oct. 6. Wins in those could translate to
a nice national ranking heading into conference play.
It's a good season if... The Pirates win the conference title. Garrard
said the players felt they should have won it last season, and the schedule
is in their favor this year with big games against Louisville and Southern
Miss at home.
Eric Crawford covers Conference USA for the Louisville Courier-Journal.
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