***** NCAA Football Preview - East Carolina Pirates *****

By Ralph Lauro, Associate College Football Editor

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -
2009 SEASON IN REVIEW: The East Carolina Pirates have become the face of
Conference USA, as they captured their second consecutive league title in
2009. Head coach Skip Holtz guided the Pirates to a school-record 7-1 finish
within the conference and a 9-5 showing overall.

ECU began the 2009 campaign with a target on its back, but stepped up to the
challenge and delivered. Things didn't get off to a hot start though, as the
Pirates escaped Appalachian State (29-24) in their opener before suffering
losses to West Virginia and North Carolina.

The team turned the corner quickly however, as C-USA play began, nipping both
UCF (19-14) and Marshall (21-17) to get things started. A 28-21 loss to SMU
the following game was a bit surprising to some, but ECU bounced back quickly
with wins over Rice and Memphis. Following a non-conference loss to Virginia
Tech, the Pirates won their last three games, including a 25-20 victory over
Southern Miss in their finale to lock up the East Division crown.

The Pirates the......