Power Ranking College Football’s Most Dominant Defenses for 2012

The 2011-12 season proved once again that defense does indeed win championships.

Yes, the BCS Championship game may have featured an all inclusive SEC vacation package but it also put on display the two top defenses in the land.

Alabama’s defense was ranked No. 1 in every major statistical category while LSU was No. 2 in both total and scoring defense and then held top ten spots in both rushing and passing yards allowed.

Looking back over the past five BCS title games we see a trend that again supports the claim that it is defense that puts programs in contention for the crystal football.

Other than the anomaly that was Auburn in 2009-10 the past five BCS champions have all held a top ten spot nationally in scoring defense, a top 25 spot in total defense and a top 20 spot in passing defense.

One thing all of the last five title holders had in common from a statistical standpoint (including Auburn) is a top 15 ranking in rushing defense.

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Other than Oregon and Oklahoma the last five runners up to the big cheesy enchilada have also all held top 20 rankings in every major defensive statistical category (2011 LSU, 2009 Texas and 2007 Ohio State).

Building on the foundation that defense does indeed win championships in our offensively driven world the following slideshow makes an early stab at power ranking the top 23 defenses in college football coming into 2012.

These programs have the right ingredients for a defensive cocktail that’s infused with palpable success in 2011 and then the high number of returning starters (we’ll utilize the handy numbers provided by College Football Matrix) necessary to continue the yardage resistance movement.

This exercise may seem less than intriguing until you realize that chances are one of the teams listed here will, based on history, make it to the title game in January of 2013.

Of course, they’ll have to be able to move the ball and play special teams at a high level too…

 

23. SMU

The Mustangs went 8-5 in 2011 which included a 28-6 drubbing of a BCS squad in Pittsburgh, in the BBVA Compass Bowl.

Though SMU was a top 25 team in passing yards their on-field success was anchored by a D that ranked No. 26 in total defense, No. 40 in points allowed, No. 55 in passing yards allowed, and perhaps most impressive No. 23 in rushing yards allowed.

The Mustangs are currently slated to return seven starters to the defensive side of the ball in 2012 which given successful transitions could mean that they’ll be even tougher to move the ball on in 2012.

 

22. USF

Finishing 5-7 overall and just 1-6 in Big East play hardly leaves you with fuzzy, warm feelings about the Bulls going into 2012 but from a defensive standpoint that might be a huge oversight.

USF’s 2011 defense was ranked No. 39 nationally in total D, No. 37 in points allowed, No. 15 in rushing defense and No. 83 in containing the pass.

Add to this the fact that the Bulls are expected to return a whopping 11 defensive starters in 2012 (tying them for No. 1 overall with Ohio State) and the forecast suddenly seems more palatable.

If USF can shore up a pass defense that allowed 244.5 yards per game through the air in 2011 they may be one of the surprise teams in 2012, especially defensively.

21. Cincinnati

It’s easy to forget that the Bearcats were a 10 win team in 2011, but their win over Vandy in the Liberty Bowl gave them double digit wins for the first time since Brian Kelly left for Notre Dame, after the 2009 season.

Yes, Cincinnati went 10-3 last year and their conference co-championship campaign was due to a solid rushing attack combined with a defense that kept opponent scoring down and was stellar against the run.

The 2011 Bearcat D earned a No. 20 ranking in scoring defense, a lofty No. 6 national ranking in rushing defense (they allowed only 96.23 yards per game on the ground) and they were No. 42 in total defense.

What caused a hit to Cincinnati’s defensive prowess was a passing defense that was ranked No. 99 in the nation.

The Bearcats return seven starters back on the defensive side of the ball for 2012 and they are another team that could be stifling if they could even marginally improve their ability to stop opponent’s attacks through the air.

20. Tennessee

Tennessee is another defensive diamond in the ruff obscured by a 5-7 finish in 2011 that featured a mere single conference victory.

The Volunteers were well above average in every major statistical defensive category last season with the exception of rush defense where they lagged well behind the SEC average at No. 69.

And this is a concern because minimizing opponent’s rushing yards has become a key indicator of championship caliber play.

Regardless, Tennessee ranked No. 27 in total defense in 2011, No. 36 in scoring D and was No. 12 nationally in stopping the pass.

These are all healthy numbers that sound even better when you throw in the fact that nine defensive starters are expected back on campus for 2012.

The Volunteers will obviously need to make improvements in other areas to be a serious contender next season (umm…they have to be able to run the ball) but don’t be surprised if a potential break-out season is fueled by a powerful defense in Rocky Top.

 

19. Kent State

Kent State?

What are they the Golden Flashes?

Yes…Kent State, a team that went 5-7 in 2011 (4-4 in the MAC), a team that had a very bad offense and a way above average defense.

Indeed, you don’t have to play in a BCS conference to have a dominant defense and regardless of the whether or not the Golden Flashes can improve offensively in 2012 they’ll likely have a stellar defense.

Kent State’s national rankings last season are impressive; No. 21 in total defense, No. 49 in scoring D, No. 33 against the run and No. 26 against the pass.

And these numbers include 48-7 and 37-0 losses to top ranked Alabama and Kansas State.

The Golden Flashes return eight starters to the defensive side of the ball in 2012 and could be poised to completely shut down opposing offenses in the MAC and beyond.

 

 

 

18. Utah

The fact that it took the Utes until Oct. 29 to capture their first ever Pac-12 victory somewhat took the wind out of the sails of national attention for a program that had waited so long to have their fair shot at as a BCS team.

Really, Utah’s most pointed struggles in 2011 were all about an offensive that sputtered all season long while their defense, on the other hand, racked up some significant stats against the “higher level competition” of a BCS conference.

Utah’s D ranked No. 19 nationally in scoring defense, No. 20 against the run, and its No. 40 ranking in total defense was reflective of a pass defense that struggled to a No. 75 ranking allowing 237.5 yards per game through the air.

The Utes will welcome back seven defensive starters in 2012 and they are another team that with successful transitions and improvements in the secondary could offer up some fearsome resistance in their second ever Pac-12 campaign.

 

17. TCU

The Horned Frogs went into the 2011 season as one of the least experienced teams in the nation, they had the most rebuilding to do to even consider replicating their stunning successes of 2010.

We know now that Gary Patterson once again beat the odds and TCU’s 11-2 triumph in 2011 may have been even more impressive, given the personnel turnover, than that of the Rose Bowl team from a year earlier.

In 2011 TCU managed to run the ball with wild abandonment, a skill set that was complimented well by a defense that managed to hold opponents to 21.5 points per game (No. 28 nationally).

Additionally, the purple hued Toads were ranked No. 32 in total defense, No. 25 against the run and No. 60 in terms of passing yards allowed.

Moving into 2012 two significant factors will come to play for TCU; first, the rebuilding program won’t be near as steep as the Frogs return eight starters to the defensive side of the ball.

Second, TCU will enter the Big 12 next season which should redefine their level of defensive prowess and possibly affect their statistical resume.

Yes, shutting down the likes of New Mexico, Colorado State and UNLV isn’t quite the same thing as putting the hammer down on Oklahoma State, Texas and Oklahoma.

Regardless, the defense should be good and it will be intriguing to see how good they are when you throw Big 12 foes into the mix.

“Reunited and it feels so good.”

 

16. Vanderbilt

Delving deeper into Vanderbilt’s on-field improvements in 2011 (it finished the regular season 6-6 and then dropped their bowl game to Cincinnati) we find a team that was led by a very good defense.

The stats are stunning especially when you consider the fact that the Commodores played eight SEC opponents.

No. 18 in total defense, No. 29 in scoring D, No. 36 against the run, and No. 18 against the pass…all numbers that make you respect what first year head coach James Franklin managed to do.

Coming into 2012 Vandy will still be squaring off with the best of the best but they’ll have the help of seven returning starters to a defense that scarily could be even better.

 

15. Texas

With the amount of talent and speed pouring annually into Austin it’s no surprise that Texas would be on a top watch list for every unit on the field.

At 8-5 perhaps Texas was still yet to be the Texas of old last season but the improvements and success they did enjoy can mainly be attributed to a defense that from a statistical standpoint was one of the better units in the nation.

The Longhorns were ranked No. 11 in total D, No. 33 in scoring defense, No. 7 against the run and No. 41 against the pass.

These numbers seem almost surreal when you remember that Texas gave up 55, 38 and 48 points respectively in ugly losses to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Baylor.

Texas will return seven defensive starters from the 2011 team in 2012 and with the program being so stacked in talent and deep (and wide) it’s not hard to believe that the Longhorns will take another step forward from a yardage resistance standpoint.

14. Louisville

Like TCU, Louisville entered the 2011 season as one of the youngest teams in the FBS and, also like the Horned Frogs they managed to find success regardless of massive levels of personnel turnover.

The difference between TCU and Louisville last season was that the Cardinals owe virtually all of their 2011 success (7-6 overall, 5-2 in conference and a share of the Big East title) to a defense that was smoking in everything but against the pass.

They couldn’t move the ball…but they made sure their opponent’s couldn’t either.

Yes, Louisville earned a No. 17 ranking in scoring defense and was very impressively No. 10 nationally against the run.

And the only thing that downgraded the Cardinal D to a No. 23 ranking in total defense was a pass resistance that ranked No. 68.

Louisville returns a high total of eight defensive starters back for 2012 and if they can improve in the secondary and begin to find a way to move the ball offensively watch out…these guys could be the real deal.

 

13. Ohio State

There is probably no way to soften the blow of a 6-7 finish to an Ohio State fanbase that is used to, at minimum, a BCS bowl berth.

But, regardless of the very real ugliness that was the 2011 season the Buckeyes, from a defensive standpoint, played very well statistically.

“The” Ohio State defense was ranked No. 19 nationally in total D, No. 27 in scoring, No. 51 against the run and a lofty No. 14 against the pass.

Add to these “more than just hopeful” numbers the fact that the Bucks return a whopping 11 defensive starters in 2012 (which ties them for the most nationally with USF) and you’ve got all the pieces for a puzzle that features a top tier defense.

Sure, Ohio State won’t be playing for any postseason glory in 2012, but don’t be surprised if the Buckeye defense doesn’t slaughter the hopes of Big Ten foes by shutting down offensive attacks from all comers.

 

12. Rutgers

And now we come to a top ranked defense where you might not have expected it…at Rutgers.

Yes, the Scarlett Knights 2011 defensive portfolio might be as surprising to some as was the fact that they finished the season with nine wins.

Rutgers was nothing short of sizzling on defense last season…No. 12 in total D, No. 8 in scoring, No. 9 against the pass and then their only black mark, No. 49 against the run.

And remember, these are national rankings.

The Scarlett Knights welcome back seven defensive starters in 2012 which means that the pressure could well continue and the wins may stack up in another edition of the wild wild Big East.

The other intriguing (and breaking news) storyline for the Rutgers D is how the exit of head coach Greg Schiano will affect the fortunes of the defense and the entire program.

 

11. Temple

In a statement that clearly indicates why college football is the greatest sport in this nation…Temple is a lot like LSU and Alabama.

What?

Yes, Temple from the MAC and LSU and Alabama from the SEC have a slew of similarities from a defensive standpoint in the transition from 2011 to 2012.

All three were top tier defenses in 2011, all three return a mere five defensive starters in 2012 and all three will still have an opportunity to field a fearsome D next season.

And, all three will be interesting to watch as they fill their holes, move people around and continue their quest for defensive driven dominance.

Temple went 9-4 in 2011 on the backs of a top 10 rushing attack and a defense that ranked No. 13 in total D, a startling No. 3 in scoring (they allowed only 13.9 points per game), No. 27 in rushing stoppage, and No. 15 in shutting down the air attack.

These guys were really, really, really good.

So, can the Owls deal with the turnover and continue to soar in 2012?

Stay tuned, it could be fun to watch.

 

10. Illinois

2011 was a tale of two seasons for the Illini who opened up with six consecutive wins only to drop the last six games of the season leaving Illinois with a 6-6 record and a bad taste in their mouths that even a win over UCLA in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl couldn’t eliminate.

Other than a decent running game the somewhat overlooked strength in Illinois’ 2011 campaign was a defense that statistically ranked among the best in the land.

The Illini were ranked No. 7 nationally in total defense, No. 15 in scoring, No. 26 in stopping the run, and a lofty No. 3 in pass D.

All numbers that are easily forgotten when you lose six in a row to drop into unforgivable obscurity.

Looking ahead to 2012 Illinois is slated to return seven starters defensively which, if transitions go smoothly, should spell continued success.

With a new coaching staff and 15 total returning starters the Illini could definitely be a sleeper in the Big Ten Leaders division…a sleeper led by an oppressive defensive unit.

 

9. Florida

The 2011 Gators had a lot in common with their counterparts at Ohio State.

Both teams struggled to a historic low record of 6-6 in the regular season (ironically both their seasons ended when they met in the Gator Bowl where Florida triumphed to go 7-6 while the Buckeyes finished 6-7).

Both teams never could seem to eliminate mistakes or find a way to move the ball consistently on offense.

And, both teams had great defenses that were not heralded as such simply because as a whole, their respective total teams toiled for victory in vain.

The 2011 Gator D ranked No. 8 nationally in total defense, No. 20 in scoring, were No. 40 against the run, and No. 6 against the pass.

All these impressive numbers are massively made even more frightening when you add in the fact that Florida expects to return 10 starters in 2012 on defense.

The Gators have the pieces in place to be the one of the best defenses in the country next season, and if they can spark their offense and slash mistakes Will Muschamp just may be the savior everybody thought he was.

 

8. UCF

If you are surprised to see Central Florida among the top ten defenses for 2012 you aren’t alone (which simply means I was too).

UCF went 5-7 in 2011, a record that should be viewed in the light of a rebuilding project which makes the Knights top rankings in defense last season all the more impressive.

No. 9 nationally in total defense, No. 8 overall in scoring, No. 16 in rushing stoppage, and No. 23 against the pass…that’s flat out remarkable.

Add in nine returning starters in 2012 on the defensive side of the ball and UCF is set to play out their final season in C-USA as one of the best D units in the country.

The Knights are slated to join the Big East in 2013 and continued success at defense can’t do anything but help a transition where they might be overlooked in favor of headliners like Boise State and Houston.

7. South Carolina

It’s a sign of the times when a team from the SEC goes 11-2 and nobody really stands up and takes note from a national standpoint.

Yes, the Gamecocks didn’t even win their division (umm…. neither did the national champions) but they did win 10 regular season games and then walloped Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl.

And they did it all on the shoulders of a top 25 rushing attack and a top 10 ranked defense.

Yes, even though South Carolina gave up 44 points in an ugly loss to Arkansas and 42 points in an ugly win over Georgia they finished the 2011 season ranked No. 10 nationally in points allowed (18.4 points per game).

Other highlights include a No. 3 ranking in total defense (again, nationally) and a No. 2 ranking in pass defense.

The only blemish on the Gamecocks resistance resume is a No. 45 ranking against the run, which we’ve already established is a big concern from a “we want to go to the next stratosphere” standpoint.

For 2012 South Carolina returns seven starters defensively and is poised (yes, they are deep) to play stifling D again which should do nothing but help its quest to finally break through the iron ceiling that is the SEC.

 

6. Virginia Tech

You can argue the validity of the Hokies ascension to the BCS Sugar Bowl all you want to but you can’t argue their 11 win total, earned on the strength of another great defense.

In 2011 Virginia Tech was a top 15 team defensively in every category with the exception of pass defense where it lagged behind at No. 31.

Yes, No. 10 in total D, No. 7 in scoring and No. 14 in rushing yards allowed is nothing to snort at and neither is nine returning starters defensively which is frankly (Beamer style) scary.

The numbers make you realize why the Hokies have been a participant in five of the seven ACC title games played since the tradition started back in 2005.

 

5. Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs are in a similar position defensively going in to 2012 as are Virginia Tech, Florida State and Michigan State.

All four programs fielded top 10 defenses in 2011 and all four return nine defensive starters in 2012.

Georgia ranked No. 5 nationally in total defense last season, were No. 23 in scoring and then earned impressive rankings of No. 11 and No. 10 respectively against the rush and pass.

The Bulldogs will certainly have their work cut out in 2012 if they hope to be the SEC East team that finally wangles the conference title away from the boys in the West who haven’t lost since 2008. But they’ll certainly have the defense they need to get it done.

 

4. LSU

LSU and Alabama are, again, in similar situations from a defensive standpoint coming into the 2012 season.

Yes, we’re all sick and tired of hearing about and seeing the two SEC powerhouse teams compared and contrasted but the reality is these are the top two defenses from 2011 who will each return only five starters in 2012.

And so the big question is what kind of drop in statistical production can we expect given the turnover in personnel?

Well, this we know, these teams are both deep and stacked with talent enough to at least keep the lights burning in the house.

LSU as the No. 4 defense in 2012 might be a stretch given the attrition, but you just can’t count out a team that was No. 2 in total defense, No. 2 in scoring, No. 5 in rushing D and No. 8 against the pass.

 

3. Florida State

With all the hoopla regarding ACC titles, BCS inclusion and possible national championship aspirations going into 2011 season the Seminoles ultimate 9-4 finish looked to be a bit of a “crash and burn” scenario.

Yes, they couldn’t run the ball but this is a team that lost four games by a total of 21 points and had one of the very best defensive units in the country.

Florida State ranked a lofty No. 4 in both total defense and scoring defense in 2011 and then earned a No. 2 ranking nationally in rushing defense.

The Seminoles allowed only 82.69 yards per game on the ground.

The only detraction from an otherwise jaw dropping defensive curriculum vitae was a No. 20 ranking against the pass.

FSU returns nine defensive starters in 2012 and if it can bolster the secondary, move the ball on the ground, and win the close ones suddenly next season could become what last season should have been.

2. Alabama

Ranking Alabama’s 2012 defense at No. 2 may be a bit reckless given that it only returns a mere five starters from the 2011 unit.

But, that said and all disclaimers aside, the truth is that the Tide’s stats last season were so overwhelming it’s hard to discount and therefore bet against future triumph.

Alabama was ranked at No. 1 nationally in every major defensive statistical category (total D, points allowed, rushing yards allowed and passing yards allowed) which makes it easy to see why, in retrospect, they beat down LSU in the title game.

The fact is the Crimson Tide may have fielded the best defense in 2011 of any team in the last several decades.

And all this makes replacing over half the unit seem like less of a big deal…especially when we’re talking about the program that has had a top ten rated recruiting class every year since 2007, three of these classes being ranked No. 1.

Regardless of how good the Tide are in 2012 in terms of wins, losses, and titles they’ll likely play the same brand of stifling defense they’ve become known for and won championships with.

 

 

 

1. Michigan State

Coming in at No. 1 we have Michigan State who earned a top 10 ranking in every major defensive category in 2011 and return a whopping nine starters in 2012.

Yes, where other top defensive dogs who also return nine starters each had a relative weakness defensively in 2011 (Florida State was No. 20 against the pass, Georgia was No. 23 in scoring, and Virginia Tech was No. 31 against the pass) the Spartans sparkled across the board.

Michigan State ranked No. 6 nationally in total defense in 2011, No. 10 in scoring, No. 9 against the run and then No. 10 against the pass.

And this is a team that played five ranked teams last season.

The Spartans may have lots of retooling to do offensively but they’ll be ordering up a big blue plate special of smothered steak for their menu of 2012 opponents.