FCS Playoffs Round 2: UNI @ UC Davis I think the idea that they’re big and of questionable speed is not correct. They play three down linemen on defense who are normal size for today and their linebackers and DBs are not big. They reportedly converted to a 3-3-5 defense in mid season. I don’t think that necessarily means five DBs, but they went to it because of injuries to linebackers. They are tough against the run because they “run to the gaps”. Their coach calls it a downhill defense, by which I think he means guys on D are running up field.
Awareness may be an issue, They have some young or less experienced guys playing due to injury.