GREENVILLE – East Carolina coach Ruffin McNeill has known Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer since 1989.
Having studied with Beamer's staff as an assistant coach at Appalachian State, McNeill said he's less worried about the Hokies' two-game losing streak to open the season than how his team prepares this week for the game in Blacksburg on Saturday.
No. 13 Virginia Tech (0-2) has dropped games to Boise State and James Madison to start the season, shocking its fan base and drawing more anticipation headed into the game at Lane Stadium with the Pirates (2-0, 2-0 Conference USA).
"They'll do a great job getting their team together," McNeill said. "We have to worry about ourselves again this week, not Virginia Tech. ... We know we're facing a team that may have their back up against the wall. They're at home and we know they will be ready to play."
The Pirates, adapting to first-year coach McNeill and his new spread offense, have posted impressive numbers against two Conference USA teams. The two-time defending champions are looking forward to going on the road to test their system against a team with a defensive reputation.
With a 51-49 victory over Tulsa and last week a 49-27 victory over Memphis, the Pirates have unexpected momentum, considering the fact they lost 29 starters from two back-to-back Conference USA championship teams.
"We feel good where we are," McNeill said. "To be able to win the football game and grow at the same time is definitely a positive. I think momentum is a positive thing. ... The momentum is there."
Edward joined the News & Observer staff in 2004. He is a graduate of American University and Johns Hopkins University. He covers Wake Forest football and women's college basketball for the N&O. Edward is a native of Washington, D.C. He can be reached at 829-4781 or
Comments
VPI will . . .
Tue, 09/14/2010 - 19:10 — melvinfurdbe ready this week. VPI probably didn't take JMU seriously and paid the price. The Hokeys will, for sure, take the Pirates seriously and likely will show no mercy.
Could easily be a very bad
Tue, 09/14/2010 - 21:52 — unc098Could easily be a very bad a--- Whipping.
Preparation
Mon, 09/13/2010 - 18:35 — YAR8packThat's exactly what it's going to take for ECU to beat VT. Yeah, I know VT just slouched their way to a loss to JMU. But we all know the Hokies are generally a damn good football team. VT will be very angry and somewhat desperate during this game. This is definitely a make or break game for the Hokies.
ECU has an offense that could cause some trouble for the young VT squad. They better be hitting their playbooks this week. The offense is probably going to see just about every defensive formation in the world. Lots to prepare for.
Go Pirates.
Agree. This going to be a
Mon, 09/13/2010 - 22:54 — unc098Agree. This going to be a "wild" game. The Pirates need to come in confident and game and not be intimidated. They have won before in Lane Stadium.