4. Florida Atlantic Owls College Football Preview 2021: Defense
– 13 of the top 14 tacklers are back to a defense that allowed just 342 yards and 17 points per game. It was great against the pass, solid against the run, and the best in Conference USA at getting to the quarterback. Depending on the alignment and time from last year, 11 starters are back. This should be among the best statistical defenses among the Group of Five programs.
The one key lost part is top pass rusher Leighton McCarthy, but all-star end Jaylen Joyner came up with six sacks in a big sophomore season on the front three, and it all works around 6-3, 355-pound Evan Anderson at the anchor on the nose.
– The linebacking corps isn’t that big, but everyone can move. 225-pound junior Chase Lasater led the team with 72 tackles and 210-pound Caliph Brice earned All-C-USA honors with 54 tackles on the outside. Working at the Owl is hybrid playmaker Ahman Ross, a 5-11, 200-pound missile who finished second on the team with 58 stops with 5.5 tackles for loss.
– There weren’t a ton of picks, but the secondary was solid. Three returning Owls earned All-C-USA honors starting with safety Teja Young, who came up with 35 tackles with a team-high two picks. Corner Zyon Gilbert has been a solid performer for four years with 197 tackles, three picks and 16 broken up passes.
– What You Need To Know: Offense
– Top Players | Keys To The Season
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Florida Atlantic Schedule Analysis