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FAU's defense swarms to tackle Alabama receiver Christion Jones. (Photo Courtesy of Ralph Notaro/ Owl Pix)
Line after line
Defensive Notebook: FAU's defensive line will have its hands full vs. the North Texas offensive front.
Originally published on
9/27/2012
by
Marcus Nelson
BOCA RATON - After facing one of the top offensive lines in the nation last week, FAU's defensive line won't get much of a break this week when the Owls go against North Texas.
The Mean Green O-line has been impressive early this season and has only allowed three sacks.
But after playing well against Alabama, defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis believes his defensive line will be up to the challenge.
“That's as good as an offensive line as you are going to see, but they battled,” Rekstis said of his FAU defensive line. “They battled against the No. 1 football team in the country. ...I'm proud of our effort.”
Alabama's offensive line features All-American center Barrett Jones and right tackle D.J. Fluker, who is 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds.
However, FAU was still able to record two sacks on Alabama quarterbacks and had six tackles for a loss vs. the Crimson Tide.
Eye in the sky does not lie: Immediately after FAU's 40-7 loss to No. 1 Alabama on Saturday, Owls coach Carl Pelini wasn't happy with the defense's tackling.
Pelini said the amount of yards Alabama backs and receivers gained was “ridiculous” in his postgame press conference but after watching videos of the game, it may not have been as bad as originally thought.
“Honestly, I want to give our guys some credit because I thought we tackled a little better against Alabama, but it's no where near where it needs to be,” Pelini said.
Getting better: One of the things the FAU defense accomplished vs. Alabama was forcing the Crimson Tide to kick four field goals, including holding them out of the end zone on three consecutive possessions.
“I don't want to say we are going to hang our hats on that but it was a good experience," said senior defensive tackle Jimmy Jean, who recorded two tackles for loss.