Pirates look for 4th straight win over Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — East Carolina has traded its familiar routine for national TV exposure.
The Pirates visit Memphis on Tuesday night, then won't play again until Nov. 5, when they host No. 5 Virginia Tech. Ten days later, it's a Sunday night game at Tulsa on Nov. 15.
East Carolina coach Skip Holtz says he loves being the only game on TV, exposure a team can't get playing Saturday.
"I love the exposure," East Carolina coach Skip Holtz said of being the only game on TV. "That's an exposure that you can't get on Saturday."
Memphis (2-5, 1-3 Conference USA) is coming off of a 36-16 loss to Southern Miss in which the Tigers had 11 penalties for 105 yards, allowed a punt return for a touchdown and a 78-yard kickoff return.
The Pirates (5-3, 3-1) have won three straight in this series against Memphis.
"I think East Carolina probably does the best job in the league of making you beat them," Memphis coach Tommy West said. "They don't beat themselves. They won't make errors and beat themselves. They'll be solid, and they'll be sound in what they do. So we'll have to be the same way. It's the same thing we try to be."
Facing a Memphis defense that ranks 106th in the nation and allows 186.7 yards rushing per game, Holtz said his offensive line's ability to create holes and move the chains could be the key for the Pirates to put points on the scoreboard.
Running back Dominique Lindsay, however, hurt his left ankle in East Carolina's 49-13 win over Rice on Oct. 17 and could be limited if available.
Memphis knows the value of a healthy running back. The Tigers have gotten a boost since Curtis Steele returned from injury two games ago, running for 376 yards and three touchdowns.
Steele should help to take pressure off Memphis senior Will Hudgens, the third quarterback the Tigers have used this season. West tabbed senior Arkelon Hall as the starter in spring practice, then switched to sophomore Tyler Bass after a 0-2 start. When Bass injured his non-throwing shoulder two games ago, Hudgens got the nod.
Holtz said his team must keep an eye on the Tigers' senior receivers — 6-foot-4 Duke Calhoun and 6-9 Carlos Singleton. The duo ranks sixth and 18th nationally in active career receiving yards.
"That 6-foot-9 is nearly a foot advantage over some of our corners," Holtz said.



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