By Staff
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
GREENVILLE — Now that Rob Kass has been given a reprieve, he’s planning to make the most of it.
East Carolina’s quarterback, who was suspended at the beginning of the season for a rules violation, made his first appearance on the field during the team’s 48-7 loss at No. 5 West Virginia on Saturday. Though he obviously wasn’t pleased with the result, Kass was happy he had the opportunity to get some playing time.
Kass is expected to share playing time with Patrick Pinkney at quarterback for the Pirates (1-3, 0-1 C-USA) when they play at Houston (2-1, 1-0 C-USA), the defending Conference USA champions, on Saturday.
The 6-0, 198-pound Pinkney is 72-of-113 for 767 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions this season. He’s also run for 84 yards.
Pinkney was 7-of-14 for 43 yards with an interception against the Mountaineers. He was sacked four times.
Kass, 6-4, 247 pounds, led ECU to its lone touchdown against the Mountaineers. He directed the Pirates 67 yards on the drive.
Kass was 2-of-3 for 11 yards against West Virginia. He also ran once and picked up seven yards, which gave the Pirates a first down on their way to their lone score.
While Kass had completions of 7 yards to Jamar Bryant and 4 yards to Dwayne Harris, it was his bruising 7-yard run that really got his blood pumping.
Kass is expecting a tough game from the Cougars, who have won two straight over the Pirates. ECU’s last win at Houston was a 54-48 win in triple overtime in 2002.
Despite not playing in the first three games of the season, Kass said he’s as confident as ever.
Like himself, Kass said his teammates will be confident when they take the field on Saturday.