Undefeated in their first two games of conference play, East Carolina currently leads Conference USA standings. During Saturday’s football game, East Carolina scored on their opening drive, beginning a tug of war with Middle Tennessee that would last throughout the entire game. During the 4th quarter, Shane Carden connected with Justin Hardy for a touchdown to give ECU a 24-17. This is how the game finished in Murfreesboro, TN, on Saturday.
Strong Offense Meets a Tough Defense
QB Shane Carden had 365 yards passing and two touchdown passes to lead the Pirate offense. After averaging almost 37 points a game, ECU faced a tough Middle Tennessee defense. Carden moved his passing average up to over 300 yards per game even when the scoreboard didn’t acknowledge it.
The East Carolina defense wasn’t asleep, holding Middle Tennessee to 17 points. With just over 5:00 left in the 4th quarter, the defense picked up an interception at the hands of Damon Magazu. The Pirates of East Carolina worked the clock and moved their record to 4-1, and 2-0 in Conference USA play. East Carolina stays on the road as they come to New Orleans to play in the Mercedes Benz Superdome taking on conference foe Tulane. East Carolina is sure to be dreaming about Bowl play in the dome in December and wishing to not make this their last trip to the Crescent City this year.
Sun Belt Conference Games
Our game to watch in the Sun Belt Conference was Texas State at Lafayette. This game had Conference lead implications and the Ragin Cajuns rose to the occasion. In Texas State’s inaugural Sun Belt game, they were met by Lafayette’s QB Terrance Broadway. Broadway was ready to play and had a career game behind Center for Lafayette. The Cajun’s QB was 18 for 23 passes, averaging almost 15 yards per pass and throwing for 4 touchdowns. The Bobcat’s weren’t ready for an assault like that. Texas State still has plenty of season left to work their way into the 2013 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl game in December.
