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Pirates Attack! Dustin, Patrick, Josh and Dwayne…
With a name like Dustin Lineback, he was destined to play linebacker.
The former walk-on transfer from Brevard has steadily worked his way up through the ranks and started the strong side linebacker position for ECU in their 49-13 Homecoming romp over Rice. With Rice driving from their own 10 yard line and approaching midfield at the beginning of the fourth quarter, it was third and seven when Rice QB Nick Fanuzzi threw that fateful pass. Lineback hauled in the errant throw at the ECU 44 yard line and churned his way 36 yards down to the Rice 20.
But in the process, Lineback did more than that. “From there, the floodgates opened” Coach Holtz said.
With a steady diet of RB Ruffin Giavani running up the middle, the Pirates attacked for a rare fourth quarter score and took control of the game over a woeful parliament of Owls. Giavani’s TD set the stage for two more Pirate TD’s while hopefully pulling the plug on the Pirate’s second half blues.
Up 35-13 and after allowing redshirt FR Josh Jordan a three-and-out series in the second period, Holtz wasn’t ready hand over the keys. Patrick Pinkney came in after a 37 yard punt return by Travis Simmons to deliver from the Rice 30 and take the lead to 42-13 on a seven yard strike to Dwayne Harris.
Then came the much anticipated return of Jordan, who directed the final and most celebrated drive of the 21 point late-game outburst. Jordan showed poise and the ability to scramble, as well as a deft touch. Pirate fans were quick to anoint Jordan as the new Jeff Blake, but fans should take heed. There will be bumps in the road for Jordan as he matures into the Pirates starter of the future.
Right now, he’s the most popular guy on the team: the backup QB.
Notes from this game wouldn’t be complete without a mention of CUSA special teams player of the week. Harris has now returned a punt for a TD in each of the last two games. Harris’ stock has basically gone up every week this season, as even when ECU has struggled offensively, Harris seems to come through.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Harris playing on Sundays next year…
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