Spring Break
Pirates kick away Knights in overtime
AP
Issue date: 11/4/08 Section: Sports
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The Pirates improved to 5-3 this season, 3-1 in Conference USA play. UCF dropped to 2-6, 1-3.
Hartman's game-winner, the third of his career, followed an interception by ECU freshman cornerback Emanuel Davis on the first play of overtime. Davis stepped in front of a pass by UCF quarterback Michael Greco, giving the Pirates an opportunity to finish off a rally that started in the final minutes of regulation.
ECU tailback Norman Whitley, who rushed for 135 yards in the game, scored from two yards out with 1:51 left in regulation to tie the game at 10-10.
That started a wild run to the finish with both teams turning the ball over once, but neither could convert.
Greco, who was just 9-of-21 for 142 yards passing, fumbled at the UCF 46 with 33 seconds left. Davis recovered for ECU. Davis had one interception, one fumble force, one fumble recovery and six tackles in his most significant action of the season.
After the late Davis fumble recover, Pirates' quarterback Rob Kass was intercepted on the next play by Johnell Neal. The Knights then ran out the clock to play for overtime.
UCF's defense dominated the game for the first three and a half quarters, but couldn't finish.
The Knights led 10-0 at halftime after a 54-yard scoring pass from Greco to Jamar Newsome and a 49-yard field goal by Daren Daly.
The Knights' defense, meanwhile, was manhandling ECU's offense. The Pirates had only 89 yards total offense and converted just one of eight third-down opportunities. Hartman tried to salvage something for ECU's offense, but missed on attempts from 48 and 46 yards in the second quarter.
ECU's defense took over in the third period, limiting UCF to one first down and just seven yards in the quarter. Hartman finally connected, nailing a 27-yard field goal to cut the Pirates deficit to 10-3.
Senior Patrick Pinkney, who replaced Kass in the second half, connected on six passes for 84 yards in limited action. Tight end Davon Drew had his most productive game of the year, hauling in six catches for 89 yards-including a crucial 13-yard reception on a fourth-and-10, which kept ECU's game-tying drive alive late in regulation.
Linebackers Pierre Bell and Nick Johnson led the charge for ECU's defense. Each player recorded a sack, while Bell had a game-high nine tackles and Johnson had three tackles for loss.
ECU will play Marshall at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium this Saturday. Both teams are currently tied for the C-USA East lead, with 3-1 records. The next-highest team is Memphis, which is 2-3 in the conference.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Justin
posted 11/04/08 @ 10:07 AM EST
For those of us alumni that were at the game, it was too close for comfort. But, the guys still pulled it off. By the way, UCF fans are the most sorry sore losers I have ever had to deal with. (Continued…)
Anthony Sanders
posted 11/05/08 @ 10:37 AM EST
Could the headline for this article not have anything to do with kicking! Ben Hartman had a horrible game and everyone is just going to make him the hero with one kick. (Continued…)
Cory Buie
posted 11/05/08 @ 5:53 PM EST
Anthony, it was ALL about the defense, but don't forget Stormin' Norman!! He definitely had a outbreak that game with J. Williams being gone. But with Hartman, have you not noticed his knack for things like this. (Continued…)
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