East Carolinian

It is amazing the kind of difference one year, a new Athletic Director, and a revamped coaching staff makes. Last year, the Gridiron Pirates went into Morganton, W.VA and got completely hammered by the Mountaineers, 56-23. This year, the Pirates brought a brand new coaching staff and some new blood up to WVU and were a couple successful red zone trips from getting their first victory on Mountaineer turf.

Many were skeptical of Terry Holland's decision to hire Skip Holtz in early December last year. Any skepticism that is still lingering should be thoroughly stomped on after this past weekend.

The West Virginia game was truly a measuring stick for how far along this team has come under Holtz's new tutelage and you couldn't be much happier with how they measured up Saturday. There certainly were huge downsides (red zone inefficiency, turnovers, poor pass protection), but after considering all of that, a 20-15 defeat is impressive.

The run defense finally looked legitimate. Particularly in the second half, the Pirates completely shut down a very potent running attack. It's no secret Rich Rodriguez and the Mountaineers run the same game plan as the Demon Deacons over in Wake Forest - they pound the ball down your throat every single play. Last week, the Pirates choked on that game plan. One week later, they didn't like the taste so much and spit it back in WVU's face.

Something to think about here also is how the Pirates have played on the road so far this year, not just in Morgantown. Although they came out flat against Wake and could never quite dig themselves out of the whole they were stuck in, they showed a ton of heart during their comeback bid in the second half.

In the previous two years, the Pirates didn't look like a college football team on the road. They didn't look like a football team period. However, this year this team knows they have a chance to win every single week, no matter where they're playing.

This is a new team. It has more experience, better talent, and maybe most importantly an entirely new attitude. Much of the credit for that is due large in part to Holtz and company, so tip your hat and get ready for what should be two very exciting home games against Southern Miss and Rice.

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