The warning from the public address announcer came with 2 minutes left in the game. Just before the final seconds ticked off the clock, the announcement came again.

"Pirate fans, please refrain from coming on to the field," blared the sound. "We will bring the players to you."

Nice attempt. It didn't work.

From a slow trickle to a full storm, ECU fans made their way to the field wanting to celebrate with their players who had just soundly defeated 8th ranked West Virginia, 24-3.

ECU coach Skip Holtz wanted his players and Pirate fans to get excited over this win. Couple it with last week's win over 17th ranked Virginia Tech and last year's bowl win over 22nd ranked Boise State and the Pirates have beaten 3 ranked teams in a row.

Saturday's win was East Carolina's first over a top ten team since 1999 when the Pirates beat Miami in Raleigh. That game was moved because of a one-two punch from Hurricane Dennis and Floyd. Must be a storm thing. The win over West Virginia came on the heels of Tropical Storm Hannah.

East Carolina's defense surrounded the Mountaineers Pat White and Noel Devine like a hurricane. White and Devine rushed for 97 and 94 yards respectively but they were like a run-and-shoot basketball team that was relegated to a half-court game.

Last week, Pat White connected on 25 of 33 passes for 208 yards and 5 touchdowns in a win over Villanova. His numbers against ECU...11/18, 72 yards and not one aerial visit to the end zone.

East Carolina's defense limited the 'Neers touches on offense with 3 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries. The Pirate offense contributed as well playing keep-a-way. That first 80 yard scoring drive ate 6:02 off the clock. The tone was set.

Senior quarterback Patrick Pinkney was outstanding completing 22 of 28 tosses for 236 yards and a touchdown to Alex Taylor. (who looks a tad like former UNC basketball player Rick Fox)

Pinkney took a victory lap around Dowdy-Ficklen stadium after the game to soak up the celebration.  "This is what you come to school for," I told him. "This is what you dream of as a kid," Pinkney replied.

Skip Holtz preached to his team this week in practice that they were better than West Virginia. He just needed his team to believe it.

After the win, Holtz told his squad, "Welcome to big time college football."

The nation is starting to take notice.

Many who make a living covering college football say the Pirates have the early lead among those in a non-BCS conference who could land a spot in a BCS bowl game.

Not even Skip Holtz's dad, Lou can smile and aw-shucks his way out of that one.