By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
GREENVILLE — C.J. Wilson may have recorded another sack, but the East Carolina junior defensive end would take a win over that any day of the week.
Wilson and the No. 23 Pirates (3-2, 1-1 C-USA) suffered their second straight loss, falling 41-24 to the Houston Cougars (2-3, 1-0 C-USA) on Saturday at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
ECU started off the season on a hot streak. After upsetting Virginia Tech and West Virginia on national television, the Pirates became media darlings.
Like a punch to the gut, the Pirates endured their second loss in as many weeks. Despite all the early season accolades, Wilson said his team didn’t buy into the hype.
Wilson, a former standout at Northside High School, had six tackles in Saturday’s loss. The junior had 1.5 tackles-for-loss, including a sack. Wilson also forced a fumble.
While Wilson put up some solid stats, the Cougars were able to move the ball at will against the Pirates.
Despite giving up 41 points and 621 yards of offense, Wilson said he was proud of his team’s defense.
Wilson said the Pirates will have to erase the loss from their memories in a hurry.
Wilson, who now has 28 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss (for 30 yards), 4.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one blocked kick, and his teammates get a break this weekend.
The Pirates are back in action Oct. 11 at Virginia, then return home Oct. 18 for a C-USA game against Memphis.
Wilson said the bye couldn’t have come at a better time.
Even after consecutive losses, Wilson believes the Pirates still have a shot at a special season.