Not that it necessarily will result in fewer points being allowed, but the Tiger coaching staff must welcome the return of defensive backs Wesley Smith and Sam Brewer in practice this week.

Smith and Brewer, out with injuries on several occasions this season, give a re-vamped defense some experience in the secondary. In a lopsided loss to Southern Miss last weekend, the Tigers spent much of the game with converted receivers Alton Starr and Michael Granberry trying to keep pace with the Golden Eagle wideouts. Starr, a freshman converted to defense in preseason camp, got his first start. Grandberry, who been a defensive back for less than a month, played extensively.

With one of the nation’s top receivers, UCF’s Mike Walker, providing a challenge this weekend, the Tigers will need as much experience as possible in the secondary.