4. College Football News Preview 2020: Buffalo Bulls Defense 3 Things To Know
– The defense that was the best in the MAC – allowing 292 yards and 21 points per game – loses its top two tackles, but eight of the top 12 tacklers are expected back. It starts with a killer pass rush that was the best in the conference, and should be close to that good again.
Senior Malcolm Koonce and Taylor Riggins combined for 17.5 sacks, but Ledarius Mack is gone after leading the way in tackles for loss.
The ends are terrific, and the line has bulk around 320-pound junior Eddie Wilson, but all-star Chibueze Onwuka is gone to Boston College. Even with the key losses, the nation’s fourth-best run D will be strong again.
– Second-leading tackler Matt Otwinowski is gone from the linebacking corps, but getting back James Patterson as the veteran leader and star is a huge plus. He was banged up last year on the outside, but the 230-pounder will likely work in the middle.
All-MAC performer Kadofi Wright is a good-sized all-around tackler on the outside, and junior Tim Terry should play a bigger role. Bringing in Colorado transfer Brendan Pyne for the outside adds more athleticism to the mix.
– The pass defense led the MAC, too. It was helped by the great pass rush, but the defensive backs did their part. Leading tackler Joey Banks and top corner Devon Russell are done, but Tyrone Hill is a good-hitting All-MAC performer at one safety job after finishing third on the team with 70 stops.