Last season, Tulsa's defense led the nation with 24 interceptions. However, the unit also led the nation in passing yards allowed per game. Thus, a big focus for the defensive backfield in fall camp is eliminating the big play.

"The reason that we led the nation in interceptions last year is because we had great play from the linebackers, and our front guys ended up giving us great pressure," said defensive back coach Van Malone. "What we want to do (this year) is eliminate big plays. Last year, if you look at it, we gave up big plays. So if you lived by stats, you could say, you led the nation in interceptions, but on the negative point, you gave up a lot of yards.

"If we eliminate those big plays and eliminate those games where we allow the offense incredible passing yardage, then we feel like you compute it as a really good secondary. If you lead the nation in interceptions and then lead the nation in pass yards given up, you just kind of even out. So we're driving our guys to make sure they do a great job of eliminating big plays."

One key factor that could potentially be a big asset in accomplishing this goal is the switch to the 4-3 scheme on defense.

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