How to Beat ECU

Homecoming week is upon us as Marshall welcomes East Carolina to Joan C. Edwards Stadium this Saturday. Both schools are coming off wins as Marshall beat Memphis last week and East Carolina took care of business against Central Florida. So what are the keys to beating East Carolina?

Sorry if I continue to repeat my self but running the football is Marshall’s first key to victory. After sitting out game one Darius Marshall has been on fire and leads the NCAA in rushing yards per game. East Carolina has given up at least 100 yards rushing in three of four contest this season although that stat is a bit misleading. ECU has not given up 100 rushing yards to a single player, including WVU running back Noel Devine. It is fair to say that none of East Carolina’s previous opponents depend on one runner like Marshall does so this should be an interesting match up. Either way the Marshall needs to continue getting major yards on the ground to win Saturday.

The Herd’s second key to victory is stopping ECU wide receiver Dwayne Harris. Harris is a lot like Bowling Green wide out Freddie Barnes. Both are possession wide receivers that have the ability to break big plays. Even though Barnes caught for over 100 yards against the Herd Marshall held him without a touchdown or long reception. MU will need to do the same against Harris. ECU quarterback Patrick Pinkney completes 31% of his passes to Harris so he is going to get his touches but Marshall needs to minimize his effect to short gains.

Marshall’s last key to victory is avoid turnovers. Last week UCF coughed up the ball five times against East Carolina. Over all ECU is plus six in turnover deferential. Marshall must protect the football against a very opportunistic defense. Besides the Southern Illinois game Marshall has only had one turn over in each of it’s past three contest. This is especially important against an ECU team that has benefited from good field position to score. Pirates quarterback Pinkney has had a difficult time sustaining long drives, barely completing 50% of his passes and throwing an equal amount of touchdowns and interceptions. Giving ECU a lot of ground to cover on offense will only aid the Herd.

Keys

1.Run the Ball
2. Contain Dwayne Harris
3. Avoid turnovers