TUDOR'S TAKE

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Hokies least likely to succumb

CAULTON TUDOR
Posted: Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008

There are probably six or seven ACC teams that East Carolina would have a reasonable chance of beating on a neutral field to start almost any given season during the Skip Holtz era.

But for the second straight year, Holtz and his team are opening against the one ACC opponent least likely to make the sort of mistakes that the Pirates usually need to spring one of their classic upsets.

There'll be a lot to watch, beginning with the Virginia Tech offense that will be without explosive quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Coach Frank Beamer's decision to redshirt the quick sophomore probably was the biggest surprise of the ACC preseason. ECU, which has to return to Greenville, N.C., for a game next week against West Virginia, needs to show that it can still mount a running attack without Chris Johnson.

It could be interesting for most of the afternoon, but the Hokies should win by a couple of touchdowns.

Knockdown time

Watch ECU's defense, which gave up 30.4 points and 26 TD passes last year. The D-line is heralded and the secondary is more seasoned but will be tested by Hokie QB Sean Glennon (60.9 completion percentage).

Can the Pirates protect the ball?

Securing the football and protection in the kicking game are always a key, especially against the Hokies. In 21 seasons under Beamer, Tech's defense has scored 74 TDs on pass interceptions, fumble returns and recoveries.

Fan fest

ECU fans are passionate about football, and approximately 26,000 Pirates faithful are expected to make the trip to Charlotte.

The Next C.J.?

The Pirates would like to see another Chris Johnson pop out of the “Purple Haze,” but don't expect that. Johnson, now a Tennessee Titan, racked up 2,960 all-purpose yards last year, best in the nation.

Player to watch

BRANDON SIMMONS, ECU, RB, 6-1, 223: ECU started the season with five running backs but is now down to three. The Pirates need a strong, consistent effort from Simmons, a power runner stepping in for Johnson. Simmons, who walked on after transferring from Elizabeth City State, played on special teams and got just 11 carries last season. He showed a determined, bullish strength in preseason camp.

Caulton Tudor is a columnist for the (Raleigh) News & Observer. Reach him at caulton.tudor@newsobserver.com or 919-829-8946

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