By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
GREENVILLE — C.J. Wilson usually has a smile on his face.
The sophomore defensive end for the East Carolina Pirates had plenty to smile about Saturday afternoon at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium after ECU took a 35-12 win over the Tulane Green Wave in the final game of the regular season.
ECU is 7-5 overall, including 6-2 in Conference USA play, in what has been a long, grueling season. It was the first time since 1973 that the Pirates won at least six conference games.
Wilson, a former standout at Northside High School, was happy he could help send the 17 Pirate seniors off with a win in their final home game.
There was much more to play for than just sending the ECU seniors off on a winning note.
The Pirates don’t know where they’re headed or who they’ll face, though it’s likely ECU could end up playing in the Hawaii Bowl on Dec. 23.
Wilson has played a big part in ECU’s success this season. He has posted career highs in a number of categories, including 35 tackles, 9.5 for loss, six quarterback sacks and 12 quarterback hurries.
Wilson also has a forced fumble, blocked field goal and blocked extra point to his credit.
Still, the sophomore isn’t satisfied with his play.
That will make two bowl games in two years with the Pirates for Wilson.
The feeling will be even better with a bowl victory.