East Carolinian

Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: ap

Media Credit: ap

As the Virginia Tech and West Virginia series against ECU continue to grow, the phrase "last year" is becoming commonplace.

ECU Head Coach Skip Holtz pointed to last year's hard-fought loss at Virginia Tech while previewing last Saturday's big matchup in Charlotte. The Pirates seemed to build on their strong showing in Blacksburg a season ago and took success a step further by defeating the 17th-ranked Hokies the second time around.

ECU's fortunes weren't as bountiful a little further north in Morgantown, W.V., where the Pirates were run right off of Mountaineer Field in an embarrassing 48-7 loss in 2007.

The Pirates have few positives to take from that outing-other than the fact that dynamic running back Steve Slaton and speedy receiver Darius Reynaud are now playing in the NFL.

But West Virginia is still led by star quarterback Pat White and has replaced Slaton with an arguably superior back, Noel Devine.

"That's what makes it so hard is-not only they're so good-but how do you simulate them and get ready for their speed?" said Holtz on Monday. "We don't have anybody in our program that runs like Noel Devine and a couple of their wide receivers."

ECU is receiving almost unprecedented levels of national attention after the Virginia Tech win-but Holtz is quick to cut the victory party short.

"It's going to count as one win at the end of the season," Holtz said of the big victory. "And if we go out and lose the rest of the games all season, then everybody's going to say, 'You know what? It was just a fluke.'"

Senior linebacker Pierre Bell echoed his coach's sentiments, downplaying the connection between the Virginia Tech and West Virginia games.

"Confidence doesn't come from winning just one game even though we beat Virginia Tech," said Bell. "It comes from being prepared before we even play."

A good deal of that preparation is likely being spent on Devine. Standing only 5-feet-8 inches, the tailback is no physical specimen. Instead, Devine relies on his uncanny elusiveness and explosive speed to outduel opponents.

Last season, Devine rushed for over 600 yards (3rd behind White, Slaton) in his freshman season. After a season under Slaton's tutelage, Devine has solidified himself as the Mountaineers' premiere back. Last week against Villanova, Devine rushed for a modest 49 yards and added six receptions for 37 yards.

Devine is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the nation, but a preference for the ball in White's hands-be it to run or pass-may keep the speedster under 1,000 yards rushing again this season.

White is one of the few elite quarterbacks in the country with the capability to pass and rush for 1,000 yards.

"He's tough as a quarterback," said Pirates' defensive coordinator Greg Hudson. "He can read blocks and he's patient back there running. A lot of quarterbacks get nervous and take off. He's cool and he knows where his help is and which angles to take and how to run…He's like herding a cat."

Judging from last week's showing against Villanova, first year West Virginia coach Bill Stewart is planning to utilize White's arm more effectively this season.

The Mountaineers' receiving corps accounted for all five offensive touchdowns against the Wildcats.

Sophomore Jock Sanders and junior Alric Arnett are two of West Virginia's biggest receiving threats. Sanders, with a body frame similar to that of Devine, is also a threat on kick and punt returns.

Arnett is a relative unknown after sitting out last season with a thumb injury, but had a huge game against Villanova in his first appearance since transferring from Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College.

ECU will not replace their star running back as easily as West Virginia, but the Pirates have two candidates who showed great potential against Virginia Tech.

Brandon Simmons and Jonathan Williams combined for 103 yards and one touchdown. Simmons showcased his ability to be a power back while Williams' agility has Holtz keyed up.

"He made the most of his opportunities today," Holtz said of Simmons, following Saturday's game. "I thought [Jonathan] Williams went out there and did some great things, made some people miss, showed some of his talent and elusiveness in the open field. He kept some drives alive for us."

While most of the country notes West Virginia's spread offense attack, the Pirates had better be mindful of its defense. ECU has put up just 17 points to the Mountaineers 75 in the last two seasons' meetings.

West Virginia only returns four defensive starters from last year's squad however, with the strength lying in the linebacker corps.

A more experienced Pirate offense against a raw Mountaineer defense could be the determining factor in this year's game-and go a long way in making last year's seem a world away.



This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.

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