After East Carolina’s football team left Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Saturday night visibly frustrated and disappointed with a 22-17 loss to South Florida to extend the Pirates’ losing streak to three games, coach Ruffin McNeill was in repair mode Sunday when the team got back together.
McNeill, whose squad needs to win both of its remaining games to achieve a 6-6 record and bowl eligibility, said during the American Athletic Conference coaches teleconference Monday that after playing 10 games in 10 weeks, this week’s bye week is a welcome one. Most of the coaches were recruiting Monday and will be again today while the players have a few days off before returning to practice Wednesday for early preparation for next Thursday’s game at Central Florida.