Don't forget we lose 3 of the 8 deep at D-Line, currently (Boyd, Cherrington, Jones) and our team captain on defense (Cam Lawrence)
Our defense is going to lose a lot of experience for next year and I would really, really hate to open the season against an offense exactly like Troy's, except bigger, faster, stronger, and with a better QB.
Regardless of that rant, I think in the end, our defense will be ok. Mullen is doing a good job at getting the young guys reps right now and that should continue with USA, UK, MTSU, and OM on the schedule.