In the days leading up to the 2015 Rose Bowl, the Emerald will take a unit-by-unit look at Oregon and Florida State, determining which team has the edge going into the showdown on Jan. 1 in Pasadena. Today we’ll take a look at each team’s linebacker unit. 
Oregon 
A large rush of media members overwhelmed linebacker Tony Washington in the visitors locker room at Levi’s Stadium on Dec. 5. While holding Arizona to just 25 yards of total offense in the first half, Washington had provided possibly his best performance of the season. Totaling five tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack, Washington became the story of redemption for Oregon’s rematch with with the Wildcats in the Pac-12 Championship game.
Washington’s costly unsportsmanlike conduct penalty late in the fourth quarter played a factor in the Ducks’ loss. But ever since, him and the rest of the linebackers have continued to deliver. Inside linebackers Derrick Malone (76) and Joe Walker (74) are second and third on the team in tackle, respectively. Walker, who is third on the team in tackles for loss with eight, has become a revelation this year.
Ever since making a name for himself in the Ducks’ second game of the season against Michigan State, he has continued to serve as run-stopper the defense has been missing since Michael Clay and Kiko Alonso departed. ILB Rodney Hardrick has added 65 tackles this season.
On the outside, Washington leads the linebackers with 10 tackles for loss. He’s also accumulated 49 tackles and five sacks. In addition, Tyson Coleman has 37 tackles with six of them being for a loss. Depth is something defensive coordinator Don Pellum has been able to utilize. OLBs Christian French and Terrodney Prevot have combined for 50 tackles and 10.5 sacks.
Florida State 
Linebackers Terrance Smith and Reggie Northrup rank first and second on the team in tackles. Smith (84 tackles, 4.5 TFL) earned second-team All-ACC honors and Northrup (113 tackles, 4 TFL) earned third-team. They undoubtedly lead  the unit and it is expected that Smith, who was limited in the ACC Championship game, will be fully healthy on New Year’s Day.
As Bud Elliot of Tomahawk Nation noted before the season, the Seminoles’ base defense is a 3-4 scheme. However, against offenses using three or more receivers like Oregon’s, Florida State uses the 4-2-5.
Matthew Thomas has added 22 tackles on the season, including five in the ACC Championship.
Advantage – Oregon
Florida State has shored up a lot of problems it had early in the season in terms of its defense against the run. However, Oregon’s linebacker unit seems to have come into its own as of late. The combination of guys like Malone and Walker inside mixed with Washington and Coleman on the outside has held firm both on the ground and through the air.
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