 East Carolina had been <unk> on defense . ECU ranked <unk> in total defense and <unk> in passing defense , giving up an average of <unk> @.@ 42 yards per game . Despite that fact , the Pirates did well in the turnover battle , gaining 27 turnovers while losing just 13 – a margin of + 14 – good enough for ninth in the country . In addition , the ECU defense ranked eleventh nationally in tackles for loss . Defensive <unk> Zack Slate and C.J. Wilson and defensive back Van <unk> took C – USA All – Conference second team honors . 
