Spring Break
ECU enters critical conference stretch
ECU plays Sunday night showcase
Jared Jackson, Staff Writer
Issue date: 10/30/08 Section: Sports
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This week after playing only two games in 35 days, ECU (4-3, 2-1) travels to Orlando face UCF (2-5, 1-2) Sunday night on ESPN at 8 p.m.
The Pirates will be looking to win their second straight game after rebounding two weeks ago with a 30-10 win over Memphis following a disastrous three-game losing streak.
"Stepping in this week is a Central Florida team, which I think is a very talented football team," said ECU coach Skip Holtz."I think they've played a very difficult schedule."
The Pirates have won the last two against the Knights, but doing it three straight times is always tough, no matter who the competition. ECU has defeated UCF the last two meetings with a combined score of 76-48, including last season's 52-38 shootout at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
Even though ECU is 6-1 in the all-time series against UCF, junior Pirate quarterback Rob Kass knows the Knights will be a true test for his team.
"It definitely is [hard]," Kass said of trying to beat a team three times in a row. "We look at it one game at a time. … Two years ago doesn't matter, last year doesn't matter-all that matters is this week and this year."
The strong suit of UCF has so far been its defense. The Knights currently rank third in Conference USA in total defense, allowing 352 yards per game.
"When you look at them, it's a team that, defensively, you kind of say, 'Wow'," Holtz said. "I think defensively, this is a very good football team and it's going to be a heck of a challenge for our offense."
The strength of the UCF defense can be found in the secondary, where the Knights start four seniors. Johnell Neal and Joe Burnett have proven to be quite the combination at the cornerback position. Both have recorded three interceptions apiece this season.
The Knights are among the best in the nation on interceptions, with 14 so far this season. UCF sits fifth in C-USA in pass defense, allowing almost 235 yards per game.
"Both of their safeties and corners are seniors who are very talented players," Holtz said. "I think that's probably the strength of this defensive football team and how they're playing on the back side."
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