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East Carolina program that appeared to be on the verge of huge things a few years ago hit rock bottom last season in a brutal 1-11 year. The team was starting a decline under Steve Logan, but being six points away from a winless season is inexcusable for a team that was a serious player in the Conference USA race a few years ago.
Give new head coach John Thompson credit for realizing that things weren't working. He changed things up this off-season adding former Florida quarterback Noah Brindise to run the offense bringing the Fun 'n' Gun to ECU. It might take a while for all the pieces to get into place, so don't expect a monster bounce-back season.
On the plus side, there are some elite players to build around. MLB Chris Moore is one of the best defensive players in the nation, while the running backs corps, thanks to the return of Art Brown, is loaded. What the Pirates don't have are talented receivers to run the old Steve Spurrier attack. The quarterbacks are there with James Pinkney and Patrick Dosh. The hope is for a major step forward to be taken before things really fly in 2005. For good or bad, it'll be a fun season worth watching
The Schedule: ECU doesn't have to play TCU, but road dates at Louisville and Southern Miss won't make a rebound season all that easy. Finishing up at Houston, at USF, Memphis and NC State could mean a four-game losing streak to close things out, so there can't be any conference home slip ups.
Best Offensive Player: Senior RBs Marvin Townes and Art Brown. Both are banged up, but they'll be ready to roll by the start of the season. The two have combined for 3,070 yards with 33 touchdowns. They're also fantastic receivers out of the backfield and should give the Pirates one of Conference USA's best rushing attacks.
Best Defensive Player: Junior LB Chris Moore. Moore took to the job in the middle last year and became one of the nation's most productive players making 148 tackles. He's a fast and physical leader of the defense.
Key player to a successful season: With almost no returning wide receiver production, Damarcus Fox has to step up and be the leader of the corps. He's lightning fast and has a little bit of experience catching six passes for 131 yards and a touchdown last year. Now he has to be the one taking the pressure off of everyone else.
The season will be a success if ... ECU comes up with a winning season. It might be a tall order after the miserable 2003 campaign, but it's a goal worth shooting for with the new offense looking to scare Conference USA defenses.
Key game: Nov. 20 vs. Memphis. The Tigers are loaded and should be in for a big season. By late November, all the kinks should be worked out of the East Carolina attack and this needs to be the home win that puts a positive cap on the Conference USA season.
2003 Fun Stats: - First quarter scoring: Opponents 90 - East Carolina 24 - Rushing yards per game: Opponents 209.9 - East Carolina 138.3 - Touchdown passes: Opponents 26 - East Carolina 6
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