4. College Football News Preview 2020: Troy Trojans Defense 3 Things To Know
– The offense exploded throughout most of the season, but the defense let the team down time and again, allowing 36 points or more in seven of the last 11 games. However, eight of the top nine tacklers are back, and a few good transfers are coming in.
The pass defense was the biggest problem, allowing 276 yards per game and allowing big play after big play. However, three starters are freshmen, and a whole slew of new parts are coming in to help the cause.
Leading pick-off man Will Sunderland is gone, and the rest of the defensive backs combined for just two picks. Safeties TJ Harris and Dell Pettus can both hit, but the corners have to rise up.
– The D will mostly work in a 4-2-5 alignment, with fantastic-hitting veteran Carlton Martial leading the way from his spot in the middle. He’s not all that big, but he came up with 126 tackles. 232-pound KJ Robertson brings the size, coming up with 51 stops last year. Coming into the mix is Iowa transfer Jayden McDonald, a 235-pounder who’ll find a role early on.
– The pass rush was strong throughout last year, and the line wasn’t bad against the run. There’s a bit of an overhaul happening on the front four, but 289-pound bowling ball Will Choloh is an active and talented nose guard to work around, and the hope is for Auburn transfer Richard Jibunor to step in and become the needed hybrid pass rusher at the Bandit.