But after the auspicious start highlighted by wins over Virginia Tech and West Virginia, plus a No. 15 national ranking, ECU isn't satisfied with 3-2.

While applauding his team's beginning, coach Skip Holtz was more like a tough professor when handing out a midseason grade this week. Sure, the Pirates made A's on some tests, but overall he gave his squad a "C" for their five-game results.

That letter grade dropped after a 41-24 loss to Houston, but could rise quickly if ECU beats Virgina Saturday in Charlottesville and improves to 3-1 against BCS-Conference opponents.

Here's a category breakdown, with Holtz's grades.

Offense, Grade: C

In the 3-0 start, the Pirates' attack produced several scintillating moments.

But it sputtered in consecutive losses to N.C. State and Houston. Improving the third-down conversion rate (35.9 percent) is a priority now, plus finding consistent, big playmakers.

In the 12-member Conference USA, ECU ranks seventh in scoring (25.4) and ninth in total offense (345.8).

Those numbers pale in comparison with the productivity of No. 1 Tulsa, which is scoring almost a point-a-minute in averaging 56.4 per game. The Hurricanes also lead in overall yardage (596.0). No. 2 Houston (545.2 ypg) can devour real estate as well, which the Pirates found out firsthand.

Individually, quarterback Patrick Pinkney is second in completion percentage (68.1) and receiver Dwayne Harris is tied for fifth in receptions-per-game (6.6).

Brilliantly efficient in early games, Pinkney slipped backward against Houston with reads and finding some open receivers.

Defense, Grade: C

While saying the "D" unit has "done some really good things," Holtz wants more consistency.

A big problem area is in pass defense, where the Pirates have allowed 298 yards per game in the past three outings.

Although giving up ground, ECU ranks first in C-USA in points allowed (24.0), second in total defense (362.2 ypg), third against the rush (141.6 ypg), and fourth vs. the pass (220.6 ypg).

Defensive end C.J. Wilson leads the league in tackles-for-loss with eight while safety Van Eskridge is fifth in stops (41). Linebackers Pierre Bell (8th in tackles) and Nick Johnson are two other stalwarts who have achieved winning individual grades.

The Pirates need to get tougher on first down -- hold teams under 4 yards -- and eliminate big strikes. Opponents have connected on 21 plays of 20 yards or more, scoring touchdowns on five of them. Fans might see more nickel looks and blitzes at UVa.

Defensive coordinator Greg Hudson, when asked what grade he'd give his unit, calculated the average as a "B-minus."

Punts, punt returns and place-kicks Grade: A

Holtz couldn't ask much more from punter Matt Dodge, place-kicker Ben Hartman, and the punt-return team.

Dodge's 45.5 average is second best in C-USA and the 39 net yardage is tops. The Pirates also are second in punt return average (14.0 ypg).

And Hartman has been perfect, going 8-for-8 with two field goals and six extra points.

"Matt is coming of age [and] having Hartman back is a big plus," Holtz said. "Both have been real solid."

Kickoffs and returns Grade: D

Darting Dwayne Harris has a 21.4 kickoff return average, seventh highest in the league. But the Pirates are 11th in team run backs with an 18.6-yard average.

Central Florida leads at 26.0, a yard ahead of explosive Tulsa.

"The kickoff and kick return have to improve,'' Holtz said. "We've been trying to protect the kickoff team with squibs and pooches, so as not to give up big returns."

But after two losses in a row, Holtz mostly wants his Pirates to kick Virginia into submission -- and kick that grade back up.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.