N.C. State stopped East Carolina on a fourth-and-1 deep in its own end with 37 seconds left to hold on for a 24-17 ...

ECU learned of Batista, a Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Senior selection, when Wilkinson contacted Pirates defensive coordinator Jerry Odom.

His statistics, gaudy as hot-pink tinsel, suggest he will snag more than one spiral inside Tropicana Field today. At that point, Justin Hardy might, just might, pound his chest and point skyward.