Scouting the UTEP Defense

Safety Trauvon Nixon will try to stop the USF passing game.

The USF offense set a school and Big East record last week against FAMU racking up 745 yards of total offense. This week the Bulls will take on the Miner defense that is giving up over 130 yards a game on the ground, but just 220 yards through the air, making it a challenge for Daniels.

The Miners are without their best defensive player sophomore Germard Reed who went out two weeks ago with a neck injury (thank goodness he is alright). With that said, they still have a solid defense that will try to shut down Daniels and crew. Running out of the 4-3 defense, the Bulls will face a more traditional defense so it should be a very interesting matchup. Here are the defensive starts for the Miners.

Starting at the left defensive end position is senior Bernard Obi (6-2 255-pounds). He has 3 tackles on the season including a half tackle for loss and one pass break up. He is a speed rusher and will try to create a rush off the edge (Popek better be ready). His back up is sophomore Adam Ayala (6-5 275-pounds) who has 1.5 tackles so far this season. Starting at the defensive tackle spot is sophomore Marcus Bagley (6-1 330-pounds) (filling in for Reed). He has 3.5 tackles including a fumble recovery in limited playing time. Starting at nose tackle is senior Jamie Fehoko (6-2 300-pounds) who has 5.5 tackles including one tackle for a loss. Junior Ruben Munoz (6-0 285-pounds) is his back up and has 1.5 tackles for a loss. Starting at the right tackle spot is junior Greg Watkins (6-5 225-pounds) who has 3 tackles on the season including one tackle for a loss and a sack. Sophomore Horace Miller (6-1 235-pounds) has 4.5 tackles along with 2 tackles for a loss and has one sack as well.

Overall, the Miners have decent size up front, but nothing the offensive line can't take care of. They have smaller defensive ends, built for speed, but the USF offensive tackles have the size advantage and have good speed that can handle it. They should be able to protect Daniels and open up running lanes for Scott and Murray.

Starting at the WILL linebacker spot is junior Josh Fely (5-11 225-pounds) who has 14 tackles on the season including one tackle for a loss and a sack. His back up is senior Isaiah Carter (6-2 230-pounds) who has 14 tackles and one tackle for a loss in a reserve roll. Starting at MIKE linebacker is senior Jeremy Springer (6-3 230-pounds) who has 19 tackles on the season with 1.5 tackles for a loss. His back up is freshman Deandre Little who has 2 tackles on the season. Starting at the SAM linebacker position is senior Royzell Smith (6-1 240-pounds) who has 15 tackles on the season with a half tackle for a loss. His back up is junior Aubrey Alexius (5-11 220-pounds) who has 2 tackles on the season.

Overall, the linebackers have good size and have been very productive for the Miners. There is no question they will be all over the field making plays.

Starting at left corner is senior Antwan Blake (5-10 205-pounds). He has 9.5 tackles and one tackle for a loss on the season. His back up is sophomore Adrian James (5-11 180-pounds). Starting at right corner is junior Drew Thompson (5-10 185-pounds) who has 8.5 tackles on the season. His back up is junior Darren Woodland (5-11 175-pounds) who has just one tackle. Starting at safety is senior Travaun Nixon (6-0 200-pounds) (big time playmaker for them). He has 15 tackles on the season including one tackle for a loss and leads the team with 2 interceptions. His back up is junior Richard Spencer (6-2 210-pounds) who has 3 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, and one sack on the season. Starting at free safety is junior Deshawn Grayson (6-0 205-pounds) who has 12.5 tackles on the season wit one tackle for a loss and one forced fumble. His back up is junior Derrick Morgan (6-1 205-pounds) who has 3 tackles and one forced fumble.

As we can see, the corners are experienced, but not the biggest and USF receivers should have the advantage. The safeties have the size and will try to enforce their will, the question is, can they handle the USF speed?