ECU Starting QB.....

[AppStateNate]

...has finally been announced. Rio Johnson appeared in 4 games last year, and went 20 for 29 for 157 yards. He only appeared in blow-out situations. His biggest chunk of playing time came on the road at Houston, in which he played all but one series in the 2nd half.

It would be nice if we can rattle his cage early on Saturday, and force him into making some mistakes.

[moonshine]

His stats are pretty impressive but as you said, it was in mop up duty.

At the very least, the defense must apply pressure and get some early knockdowns/QB hurries on him. He's obviously got an accurate arm completing at 69%. Coach Jones must dial up some blitzes and the DL needs to create some penetration so Johnson isn't allowed to sit in the pocket.

[Deano]

Alot of ECU people are saying that the QB position is their biggest weakness. I am sure with the big line that they have they are going to be thinking run most of the time and pass only when necessary in order to keep their QB from making too many mistakes. I hope our D line is up for the challenge. What worries me is how good ECU's D line will be. I hope SS has put in alot of quick plays for JJ just in case he doesn't have much time in the pocket to react.

[IGgreer]

pornstar name...

[97APP]

Alot of ECU people are saying that the QB position is their biggest weakness. I am sure with the big line that they have they are going to be thinking run most of the time and pass only when necessary in order to keep their QB from making too many mistakes. I hope our D line is up for the challenge. What worries me is how good ECU's D line will be. I hope SS has put in alot of quick plays for JJ just in case he doesn't have much time in the pocket to react.

Against most teams/offenses I would agree. But if they are truly trying to implement the TX Tech/Mike Leach offense, they'll be pass heavy. That's just the way their offense is made. I do think they'll run it some (more if successful), but if they're planning on just managing the game vs us and not running their offense as it's designed (which they'll need to run vs SC next week) then what good will that do them? IMO this is the week for them to see what their QB can do and try to iron out the mistakes.

[moonshine]

I hope SS has put in alot of quick plays for JJ just in case he doesn't have much time in the pocket to react.

I think this will be key to moving the chains. SS must give JJ some quick hitters, even if it's just for 3-4 yards a pop. The young WR's must find openings and learn to sit down in the holes when ECU runs a zone. You can bet we'll get to see some screens thrown in to try and slow down the Pirate rush.

[Kyle76]

97 is right. This does not even pretend to be a balanced offense. Rio has been in the program for three years now, two under the current staff, so he should be ready. The coaches say he has the best arm of the four QBs who were in the running at the beginning of fall practice, and he is the only one with game experience, serving as backup last year. He looked pretty impressive when he got some playing time. I'm not sure if it's good or bad that no candidate really separated himself from the others. Either we have four good options or four mediocre options. We really had a poor running game last year with injuries in the backfield and on the line. I think we started eight different O-line combinations. I'm pretty sure we will be stronger with the run, but the question is how well the QB can manage this offense.

[JCline0429]

I don't know much about the ins and outs of this upcoming game, but I will predict that whoever controls the line of scrimmage on either side of the ball will win the game no matter the talent at the skill positions.

[AtlAppMan]

We need to hit him a few times like the one we put on Chad Henne from blind side. Will Rio step up or wilt after a few shots like that?

[JCline0429]

We need to hit him a few times like the one we put on Chad Henne from blind side. Will Rio step up or wilt after a few shots like that?

I just hope we can get to him without beinbg suckered in from the running game.