ECU Clipboard

TITLE-MINDED

East Carolina is alone at the top of Conference USA's East Division, and the Pirates are enjoying the view.

From there, they see a season turning around and perhaps turning into something special -- a title.

A month ago, ECU (6-3 and 4-1 C-USA) was dealing with defeats and doubts. With two straight overtime wins, the Pirates have shown they have the hearts of champions. And coach Skip Holtz likes his players' mind-set, saying "their attitudes are really positive now."

The challenge is to sustain success at Southern Mississippi and Alabama-Birmingham and at home against UTEP. No gimmes, but a golden opportunity is there.

AIRBORNE AGAIN

What ECU's offense needed came to pass in the 19-16 overtime win over Marshall. It was a revived passing attack, with Patrick Pinkney going 26-for-37 for 287 yards and a TD. Running against Marshall was a headache (100 yards), but Norman Whitley continued to look good carrying the ball (68 yards) and catching it (four receptions, 31 yards).

KNOCKING 'EM BACK

Kudos to ECU's defense, a stingy bunch despite the loss of key players. In the three-game win streak, the Pirates have held each opponent to 286 yards or less.

GAME BALLS

BEN HARTMAN: Kicked four field goals, including the 27-yard winner.

PATRICK PINKNEY: Regained his rhythm and hit his targets, with eight players catching passes.

DAVON DREW: A big-time receiver who caught four passes for 80 yards, including a key first-half TD.

EMANUEL DAVIS: Two interceptions, six tackles.

NEXT UP

Southern Miss, long a Pirates nemesis, is 2-4 in C-USA but dangerous -- especially in Hattiesburg. The Golden Eagles beat Central Florida 17-6 and controlled the ball an incredible 41 minutes, 56 seconds.