By By STEVE FRANKLIN, Sports Writer
GREENVILLE — East Carolina quarterback Rob Kass knew he’d get an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the Pirates at some point this season.
He just wasn’t sure when.
Well, on Saturday, that opportunity knocks.
Kass, who was the Pirates starting signal caller in seven games in 2007, is expected to see his first significant action of the year Saturday against Memphis. ECU coach Skip Holtz looks to resurrect his struggling offense by returning to the two-quarterback system that worked with resounding success last season.
Senior Patrick Pinkney started the first six games of the season, playing flawless football as he led East Carolina to three straight wins — two over top-15 teams — to open the year. But recently, he’s fallen on hard times.
Pinkney has he’s completed only 51 percent of his passes and has turned the ball over five times in the Pirates last three games, all losses.
Kass has played sparingly this season, completing 6-of-11 passes for 56 yards with an interception in limited action.
But he said he’s geared up and ready to go.
Last season, Kass played in 10 games, and threw for 1,164 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions.
Together, the quarterback tandem amassed 2,522 passing yards and combined for 20 touchdown passes.
At the midpoint of the 2008 season, the Pirates’ quarterbacks are on pace for just 14 touchdown passes.
Kass, who is known for his strong arm, is hoping to change that statistic.
Pinkney, who was mentioned as a possible Heisman trophy candidate after early wins over Virginia Tech and West Virginia, as struggled with turnovers of late. He’s lost five fumbles on the season and has had three passes intercepted.
Kass believes that with both quarterbacks playing, it will be tougher for teams to prepare for East Carolina.
Holtz has yet to announce a starter, or set a rotation for the two quarterbacks.
A decision on that isn’t expected until shortly before Saturday’s kickoff, which is set for noon at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville.