Scarlet and Game
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Ohio State Football: In-depth Analysis of Florida Atlantic

By Peter Burtnett

BOCA RATON, FL - OCTOBER 26: Head coach Lane Kiffin of the Florida Atlantic Owls looks on against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the first half at FAU Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
BOCA RATON, FL - OCTOBER 26: Head coach Lane Kiffin of the Florida Atlantic Owls looks on against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the first half at FAU Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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BOCA RATON, FL – SEPTEMBER 16: Larry Brihm Jr. #2 of the Bethune Cookman Wildcats is sacked by William Davis #42 of the Florida Atlantic Owls during second quarter action on September 16, 2017 at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
BOCA RATON, FL – SEPTEMBER 16: Larry Brihm Jr. #2 of the Bethune Cookman Wildcats is sacked by William Davis #42 of the Florida Atlantic Owls during second quarter action on September 16, 2017 at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

On defense, 3 out of 4 lineman are gone, as well as the starting MLB and two DBs.

Leading the way for the “new” D-Line is returning starter Leighton McCarthy, who played well in 2017 (28 solo tackles and 4.5 sacks) but struggled in 2018, only putting up 15 solos and 0.5 sack.

However, the rest of the defensive line is not full of freshman without any experience. Each of the three “new” linemen, DE Tim Bonner, DTs Noah Jefferson and Charles Cameron are seniors, but only Bonner put up impressive numbers, totaling 3 sacks last season.

While McCarthy will be leading the defense, OLB Rashad Smith is the leader of the defense as a whole. 86 total tackles and 4 interceptions were enough to lead the returning starters. And his position at LB is key for him being the captain of the Owls defense.

Alkeis Leroy, a talented junior will take over at MLB while Quran Hafiz returns at the nickle position.

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DBs were the “strength” of a weak defense last season, ranking ninth in passing yards allowed in C-USA, while the rushing defense ranked 11th against the run, which should be a treat for J.K. Dobbins. CB James Pierre and S Zyon Gilbert are the returning starters, with seniors Chris Tooley and Da’Von Brown expected to fill the other CB and Safety spots.

In conclusion, FAU was strong in the running game last season but the loss of their top two rushers could cause a bit of a slide for their offense.

On defense, the Owls were among the worst in the average C-USA, so the Buckeyes should be able to comfortably move the ball down the field, putting upwards of 35 points on the scoreboard by the end of the first half.

Lane Kiffin may be able to compete this year in the competitive C-USA, but this match-up against the Scarlet and Gray will be far from easy. If the Owls can stay competitive on Saturday and take the game into the third quarter, they may be on their way to a season more like 2017 than ’18.

Next. Buckeye fans shouldn’t be concerned now. dark

For the Buckeyes, the game should be over by halftime.

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