FIU Football: Can Butch Davis, Panthers win C-USA in 2019?

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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 14: Sage Lewis #47 of the Florida International Golden Panthers sacks Jonathan Banks #1 of the Tulane Green Wave with three minutes left in the fourth quarter on October 14, 2017 at FIU Stadium in Miami, Florida. FIU defeated Tulane 23-10. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

Defense aims to achieve consistency

The Golden Panthers’ defense was good in areas and mediocre in others. However, it was the school’s best defense in five seasons giving up 24 points and 386 yards per game.

What’s important to note about the Panthers’ defense is they return eight starters from last year’s unit.

The Panthers need to figure out how to get in the backfield more often to help a defensive backfield that finished second in the conference with 17 interceptions. The defensive line needs more than a paltry 22 sacks.

The defense also has the best linebacker, and maybe the best overall defender, in the conference, with Sage Lewis returning. Teamed with Boise State transfer Tyson Maeva, the Golden Panthers might have the best duo in the conference.

They return their entire secondary that did well in spite of a poor pass rush. If the pass rush gets just a little better, this unit could be tough to play against.

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