Defensive Preview

The Miami Beach Bowl is upon us and while most talk is about the flash and sizzle of the offenses. The defensive units of South Florida and Western Kentucky are pretty special as well, creating turnovers and taking advantage of opportunities.

Let's take a gander at what each team has to offer.

South Florida

The Bulls defense has held opponents to 361.2 yards a game while allowing a miniscule 3.6 yards per rush and 6.6 yards per pass attempt. They've also been an opportunistic bunch that can penetrate and create a bit of chaos in the backfield - tallying 32 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, and 15 interceptions.

No doubt, there are plenty of playmakers dispersed throughout each level of South Florida's vaunted defense. Let's take a look:

Key Playmakers:

Eric Lee, Sr. defensive end - 42 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4 sacks

Bruce Hector, So. defensive tackle - 18 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5 sacks

Jamie Byrd, Sr. defensive back - 80 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 interceptions

Auggie Sanchez, So. linebacker - 106 tackles, 10 tackles for loss,

Western Kentucky

The Hilltoppers' defense is much improved from the 2014 version, giving up just 388.8 yards per game while allowing 4.2 yards per rush and seven yards per pass attempt. While the yards given up is way down from last season, Western Kentucky has maintained their mindset of creating turnovers, forcing 14 fumbles and picking off 17 passes on the season.

Key Playmakers:

T.J. McCollum, RS. Soph. linebacker - 100 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3 sacks

Branden Leston, RS. Jr. safety - 91 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception

Nick Holt, RS. Sr. linebacker - 84 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 interceptions

Prince Charles Iworah - 39 tackles, 10 pass break-ups, 4 interceptions.