The Blue Raider defense will suit up for its first test against the Florida Atlantic Owls this weekend. Depth has become an issue for the Middle Tennessee defense at linebacker and in the secondary, but they return 7 of 11 starters. FAU's offense will be more experienced overall which should make them at least as effective as last year's contest.
Defensive Line
The Blue Raider defensive line that created havoc for Sun Belt offenses last season returns all four starters. However, in the weeks leading up to the season opener, the Middle Tennessee 'D' lost one of its weapons in defensive end Sean Mosley, who quit the team. Nevertheless, the Blue Raiders return two All Conference ends in Erik Walden, who needs five sacks to become the all time conference record holder, and Tavares Jones. Plugging the holes in the middle of the line will be juniors Trevor Jenkins and Wes Hofacker. Both provide experience and round out one of, if not the best, defensive lines in the Sun Belt. The Blue Raider D-Line should have no problem providing problems for the Florida Atlantic offensive line. FAU's left side will feature sophomores Lavoris Williams, who will be getting his first start on September 1, and David Matlock, who started once at left guard last season. One of Florida Atlantic's strong points will be at center. Nick Paris, a 290 pounder, returns this season after starting in nine games. The right side of FAU's line also returns some experience as Jarid Smith and John Rizzo both started last season. The way the Middle Tennessee defensive line performs will be a key factor in the outcome of this game. The defensive line has to help an inexperienced linebacker core in this game to be successful. Erik Walden should have a big day against the left side of FAU's offensive line. Overall, Coach Stockstill and company should have no problem putting pressure on a team that gave up two dozen sacks last season.
Linebackers
The Blue Raider linebackers are easily the biggest question mark on the MT defense. They have been hit by the injury bug as well, but leave the starting jobs to a group of promising athletes. Redshirt Junior Lonnie Clemons will man the Middle Linebacker spot. Clemons had his best season last year with 22 tackles, and interception, forced fumble, and fumble recovery. Joining Clemons will be converted defensive end Derek Shropshire at the Sam spot, and hard nosed sophomore Danny Carmichael on the weak side. Shropshire has the size, 6'3", 236, to be very effective. Carmichael played in 11 out of 12 games last season as a true freshman, and will bring a hard hitting attitude to the Blue Raider linebacker core. FAU will send junior Charles Pierre to the Running Back position after finishing the season as the starter in 2006. Pierre has tons of speed, so the Blue Raider linebackers will need to be aware of his break away ability once he hits the hole. FAU will also use runningback Divory Edgecomb to mix things up. Florida Atlantic quarterback Rusty Smith (6'5", 212) is a pocket passer, so the linebackers won't have to worry as much about containing the quarterback as they will about plugging holes.
Secondary
Middle Tennessee's secondary should be a strong point for the 2007 squad. The Blue Raiders will send all american Damon Nickson back to "centerfield" at free safety. Strong safety will be manned by redshirt senior Dana Stewart, who won the starting job in camp. Stewart started in one game last season, and registered 35 tackles throughout the season. Steady cornerbacks Bradley Robinson and Roy Polite return. Robinson has nine career interceptions with the Blue Raiders and possesses big playmaking ability. Polite will play in his 36th game as a Blue Raider in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. FAU quarterback Rusty Smith has been sidelined at practice with a sore arm, but will be ready to go for the opener. Nickson and Company possess the abilty to make him pay dearly if too many mistakes are made. Both Robinson and Nickson had an interception returned for a touchdown last season. FAU has a group of talented receivers that raked in 267 yard against the Blue Raiders last season. Their biggest threat will be redshirt sophomore Cortez Gent, who played in 7 games last season but has been very productive in practice to this point for the Owls. FAU has a very good receiving tight end in Jason Harmon. Harmon registered two touchdowns and 261 yards last season. Injuries have hurt the FAU receiving core and Gent and Harmon will be Smith's two biggest targets. The depthless Blue Raider secondary should be able to keep tabs on the young FAU wideouts.
Tidbits
-The FAU offense has turned the ball over 9 times in the past two meetings with the Blue Raiders.
-FAU has never had a runningback rush for over 100 yards against Middle Tennessee.
-Erik Walden is fourth all time in Tackles for Loss at Middle Tennessee with 31.5.
-Bradley Robinson can move into the Top 10 all time at Middle Tennessee with one more interception.
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