By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
GREENVILLE — Instead of choosing just one quarterback to replace Rob Kass, who has been suspended for the opener, East Carolina head coach Skip Holtz will likely play two on Saturday.
Whether it’s sophomore Brett Clay or junior Patrick Pinkney who gets the start, both will likely see action against the No. 9 Virginia Tech Hokies in Blacksburg, Va. Kass is suspended for the game after being arrested for driving under the influence over the weekend.
Game time is set for noon.
Both Clay and Pinkney, who haven’t thrown a pass during their college careers, said they’re prepared for what lies ahead.
Pinkney said he is ready to take the lead role when the Pirate offense takes the field.
While Pinkney said his heart goes out to the victims and their families from the horrible tragedy that took place on April 16, when 32 people and a lone gunman were killed, he said the Pirates have to be ready to play.
He’s relishing the chance to play the No. 9 team in the country.
Offensive lineman Josh Coffman said the Pirates are ready to go.
Coffman said it will be tough dealing with the pre-game hoopla, but it’s something he and teammates will have to do.
After a long summer of training and practicing, the Pirates are anxious to take the field.