Pirates Turn Focus to N.C. State
East Carolina renews its in-state rivalry when they host N.C. State at high noon this Saturday in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
The Wolfpack is coming off a 48-14 win over William & Mary while the Pirates are fresh off a 52-7 season opening victory over Western Carolina.
"It will be a big time atmosphere. You have to be ready for the physicality and speed of N.C. State," ECU head coach Scottie Montgomery said, "We have to continue to get better from a fundamental standpoint. We're trying to stay in the now. The best thing we can do is stay in the now and our coaches have to have a big week. We also have to be able to do the things that require no physical talent this week."
"State is as stout as we will see. They have veteran leadership at linebacker. Bradley Chubb is a great leader along the defensive line, Jack Tocho is a physical specimen and really puts in a lot of effort. They're a really, really good defense.
Montgomery says Wolfpack fullback Jaylen Samuels "can do it all and Nyheim Hines is fast and will present some challenges trying to run the vertical seams."
He was also complementary of N.C. State quarterback Ryan Finley.
We will know more by Wednesday if ECU wide receiver Trevon Brown will return to the lineup. Brown remains out as they determine his academic eligibility. If he is not able to dress, Jimmy Williams will continue to play at the Z receiver position.
"We are very hopeful to have Trevon Brown back this week," Montgomery told PirateIllustrated.com, "We'll know more by Wednesday."
Montgomery faces his biggest challenge yet this Saturday at high noon as the new head coach at East Carolina.
"We do know the gravity of the situation. This is a big time matchup. We are energized and we do feel the gravity of the moment. This is just another leg of the journey."
Otherwise Messiah Rice will be back at left tackle offensively. Montgomery noted that Justin Sandifer has played well too and and has earned playing time there too.
Demage Bailey returns at backup defensive end behind Fred Presley while DeShawn Benton could very well start at strong safety in front of Bobby Fulp this week according to the depth chart. Otherwise the lineup remains pretty much the same as last week.
First year Pirate head coach Scottie Montgomery addressed the press on Labor Day to talk about last week's win over Western Carolina along with the latest on this week's contest with N.C. State. PirateIllustrated.com was there to bring you the very latest from Ward Building on the campus of East Carolina University.
Join us as a premium member of PirateIllustrated.com and keep up with the latest from Hight Field this week and much more as we get it set for the Wolfpack.
