FIU preaches continuity for better results on defense after a rough end to last season
It would be difficult to argue with FIU Panthers coach Mike MacIntyre’s assessment of his defense in 2022.
“There were some good days,” MacIntyre said of his inaugural 4-8 FIU season, “and some really ugly days.”
Ugly would certainly describe FIU’s 73-0 loss to Western Kentucky on Sept. 24.
Yet, the Panthers bounced back the very next week to defeat New Mexico State, 21-7. A 34-15 win over host Charlotte on Oct. 22 was another highlight.
“Early in the season, we gave up a lot of deep balls,” MacIntyre said. “But as the season went along, we got better in our coverages, and we were ‘fitting’ the run better.”
However, FIU ended its 2022 season with four losses in a row, allowing an average of 44.3 points per game during that span.
MacIntyre opted to keep defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt for a second season, but some adjustments have been made to the playbook.
“We’ve trimmed down some stuff that [didn’t] work,” MacIntyre said, “and we added some things that might help.”
FIU’s defense ranked ninth among 11 Conference USA teams last year in average points allowed per game (37.3).
Among all Division I FBS college football teams, FIU’s defense ranked 108th in passing yards (260.3), 110th in rushing yards (191.8), 119th in total yards (452.1) and 126th in points.
Dewitt, though, believes continuity will help breed success in 2023.
“There’s a better idea of who we have and who we are as opposed to a year ago when we were trying to implement a system,” Dewitt said.
“Now, we’re able to manipulate the system to fit the players we have.”
What the Panthers don’t have is outside linebacker Shaun Peterson Jr., who led FIU last season with six sacks.
Peterson is now playing for UCF, and nobody else on the Panthers last season had more than three sacks.
Dewitt is keenly aware of the importance of pressuring opposing passers.
“Any good pass coverage begins with a great pass rush,” Dewitt said. “One of my old mentors said, ‘You’re drawing up all these coverages, but the only thing that really counts is getting to the quarterback.’”
Perhaps FIU can get pressure from Jordan Guerad, who was second on the team last year with three sacks. Alex Nobles (two sacks) and Jeramy Passmore (one sack) are other breakout candidates.
Dewitt said nose tackles such as Bryant transfer Jack Daly and Will Prendergast are providing inside pressure in practice, and that bodes well for the season.
If the pressure is there, then Dewitt can have some fun with his secondary.
“You have to be able to change coverages and looks,” Dewitt said. “The quarterback can’t be allowed to stand back there and know presnap where he’s going with the ball.”
Dewitt said that so far he and his staff are teaching the basics of coverages first before adding adjustments and disguises.
Speaking of coverages, the Panthers seem better equipped at cornerback as opposed to safety.
Adrian Cole, who was tied for second on FIU’s defense last year in passes defended (five), leads the cornerback group. Hezekiah Masses, who had four passes defended as a true freshman last year, is the other expected starter.
Jamal Potts (five passes defended) has looked good this fall as a nickel back, and Bryant transfer J.T. Anderson has impressed Dewitt in the cornerback competition.
Dewitt also praised freshman nickel corner Mister Clark for his high football IQ.
At safety, CJ Christian is working his way back from a shoulder injury, and Dewitt lauded JoJo Evans, who made 83 tackles last year at Kent State.
With FIU’s season opener fast approaching. on August 26 at Louisiana Tech, Dewitt is racing to get his players up to speed.
“They are learning what the weaknesses are in certain coverages,” Dewitt said. “You tell them what the problems are going to be, and then you give them the solutions.”
