Pinkney, Kass to rotate at QB for ECU

Oct 15, 2008 - 10:28 PM GREENVILLE, North Carolina (Ticker) -- East Carolina quarterbacks Patrick Pinkney and Rob Kass will share playing time Saturday against Memphis.

Pirates coach Skip Holtz announced the decision during his news conference Monday, citing his desire to improve East Carolina's turnover-prone offense.

Pinkney has been the Pirates' primary signal-caller this season but has struggled over the last three games, all losses. The senior has completed just 41-of-80 passes over that stretch while throwing two interceptions.

"I think Patrick is a captain and an upperclassman that has really played well," Holtz said. "I really want to be loyal to Patrick and what he has done for this program.

"At the same time, if we're turning the ball over and not following the plan, we've got to turn and look at what our other options are."

A redshirt junior, Kass started seven games last season but has played sparingly this campaign, completing just 6-of-11 passes in three games.

"It's very difficult to look Rob in the eye, as much as he has played, as much experience he has and the way he has played in his opportunities, and tell him that he doesn't deserve a shot," Holtz said. "I just don't know at this point what the rotation is going to be, but both quarterbacks will definitely play."

The Pirates (3-3) opened their season with consecutive upsets of Virginia Tech and West Virginia, both ranked opponents at the time.

But after a hard-fought win over Tulane in its Conference USA opener, East Carolina has lost its last three contests.