ECU athletic director Terry Holland says he doesn't hear realignment and expansion talk rumbling across the college football landscape -- certainly not any now involving East Carolina.

"It may happen, but there's nothing pushing it now,'' said Holland, who spoke at the Raleigh Sports Club on Wednesday.

The No. 15-ranked Pirates are revving up for Saturday's game at N.C. State, keeping their sights set on winning a first Conference USA title, one of their primary goals.

C-USA, like its name suggests, is spread out geographically. It gives ECU exposure in places such as Houston and Dallas but doesn't create the rivalries coaches, players and fans revel in.

"We need regional rivalries,'' Holland said.

SHOW HIM LOVE: The perception of ECU football coach Skip Holtz now is much different than when he arrived four years ago.

"Most people didn't want me to hire him,'' Holland said. "Now they don't want to lose him. They say: 'What can we do? Give him the library.' "

Holland said a recent contract extension for Holtz is "well in the top half, probably top one-third" among that of BCS conference coaches.

In regard to what the Pirate Nation can to do keep Holtz, Holland said, "Love him to death."

He noted how Rich Rodriguez got guff from West Virginia fans after losing to underdog Pittsburgh last season, a defeat that knocked the Mountaineers out of the BCS championship game.

Rodriguez left his alma mater for Michigan. West Virginia will receive $4 million in a buyout.

"Coaches, athletic directors, college presidents and CEO's make too much money," Holland said.

FANFARE: Based on ticket sales, it appears East Carolina will sell out four of its five home games this year at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The final game of the season, against UTEP the day after Thanksgiving, is one that might not have a packed house.

"A football game [in Greenville] is special,'' Holland said. "There's a connection in the stands and on the field that's special."

Holtz and his players have helped that rapport by staying on the field and interacting with the crowd after games.

LIGHTER MOMENT: In addressing the Sports Club crowd at Highland United Methodist Church, Holland said that each time he came there to speak he heard a murmur.

"It sounds like: "Sit down, Holland!' " he said. "I think it's from North Carolina fans. They can't help it."

That was a reference to the 16 years Holland coached basketball at Virginia, where he stood often in building a powerhouse program and had some wins over the Tar Heels.

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