Junior linebacker Derrick Mathews has helped transform a defense that was one of the nation’s worst into the best. the Cougars’ 18 turnovers ranks first in the nation. | Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar
When Efrem Oliphant took a look at the spring two-deep depth chart, his name didn’t appear.
Though now a junior, he was buried as the third strong-side linebacker. Just a few months later, after performing well in practice and during the first game, Oliphant’s name is now at the top of the depth chart.
“You always preach to your team that everybody has a chance, and there you go. You’ve got a third teamer who … makes a lot of plays for us,” said defensive coordinator David Gibbs.
Oliphant is part of a trio of diverse linebackers who are contributing to a turnover-happy defense that has improved vastly from last season, when the Cougars were statistically one of the worst in the nation. With 18 forced turnovers, the Cougars now lead the nation in turnover margin.
“I guess you could say it’s a different look. Everyone expected them to score, I’m sure,” Oliphant said after Saturday’s win against Memphis. “They haven’t really focused on Houston as being a defensive team, and that should open eyes that we are playing defense here now.”
The Cougars’ three starting linebackers have forced three turnovers, recovered four fumbles and have five tackles for a loss, while Oliphant and starting middle linebacker Derrick Mathews are both learning new positions.
Mathews moved to the middle to replace former linebacker Phillip Steward, who moved on to the NFL, while Oliphant began the spring as a strong-side linebacker before moving to the weak side.
The third starting linebacker, Steven Taylor, has also played well, coaches said.
“Derrick is still learning the Mike linebacker position. So his plate is really full, but the other day in the game, he had an idea against a certain formation that was a good idea,” Gibbs said. “So yeah, he’s starting to figure out being the quarterback of the defense this week, so hopefully, he’ll continue to grow.”
This season, the Cougars have surrendered only 19 points per game, while holding opponents to 3.5 yards per rush.
“All three of them together … are playing outstanding. They’re playing instinctive,” head coach Tony Levine said. “They’re forcing turnovers. I couldn’t be happier with the way that our linebackers are playing.”
The defense, which has held opponents to 27 second-half points, is getting better, Matthews said.
“Everyone is playing for each other, and it is starting to show.”
Looking forward to the defense bringing their A game on Saturday. They’ve got to focus on the BYU QB making his runs.
The BYU game will be a good test for our linebackers…if we do well against them, I’ll stop worrying about Louisville and UCF.
what has happened to Tyus Bowser lately? He made a splash earlier this season and then dropped off the radar.