4. USF Bulls College Football Preview 2021: Defense
– The defense gets just about everyone back, and now it’s time to stop someone after allowing 441 yards and 40 points per game. There was no pass rush, not enough third down stops, and outside of a slew of takeaways, too many issues getting off the field. But again, this is a veteran crew and it starts with …
– The linebacking corps should be a big positive around veterans Antonio Grier and Dwayne Boyles. These two were 1-2 respectively in tackles, combining for 103 with their quickness overcoming their lack of bulk. There isn’t a whole lot of thump, but there are plenty of options for the rotation.
The front line now has to get into the backfield and be more of a wall. 6-3, 315-pound Kelvin Pinkney has the size on the nose, and Thad Mangum is a decent veteran with a 285-pound frame at tackle.
The ends have to get behind the line, though – the team came up with just 42 tackles for loss and a mere seven sacks with the linebackers doing most of the heavy lifting.
– The secondary allowed way too many big things, but they also came up with a slew of picks. Daquan Evans came up with a team high three interceptions, but Mike Hampton is gone from the other side and there’s some shuffling to do at safety with third-leading tackler Nick Roberts leaving and veteran Bentlee Sanders taking off for Nevada.
– What You Need To Know: Offense
– Top Players | Keys To The Season
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– USF Schedule Analysis