By By BRIAN HAINES
Sports Writer
GREENVILLE — If East Carolina wants to win its second consecutive Conference USA crown, it goes without saying that the Pirates’ defense must keep Houston quarterback Case Keenum in check.
Keenum’s credentials are well publicized. The junior quarterback’s 4,922 passing yards are first in the country, along with his 410 yards per game average. The 6-2, 210-pound QB has outstanding timing with his receivers and his solid decision making has helped him complete a whopping 70 percent of his passes (412-584), while throwing 38 touchdowns to only six interceptions.
It’s been that kind of play that has led Houston (10-2, 6-2) to a No. 18 ranking and program boosting wins over the likes of then No. 5 Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.
East Carolina’s fifth-year defensive coordinator Greg Hudson said Keenum’s gaudy numbers are no fluke.
“He’s a good as advertised; he’s a special player,” Hudson said. “He’s very confident in what he does, but also very talented and well coached. He knows how to run that offense, he looks like a young Drew Brees out there right now.”
That’s a scary thought for the Pirates (8-4, 7-1).