College Football 2012: Defensive Report Card for Every Top Defense

It's all about the defense.

At least, it is in the SEC, and their dominance has been well-documented.

That said, even if you hate the SEC, you might enjoy this list.

It runs down the top defenses, grading them based on potential, returning starters and guys who are coming back from injury.

It's graded on sort of a backwards curve, with the worst team on the list in the D+ range, and working on up to the top.

Spoiler Alert: It's LSU.

Anyway, if stout defenses that punish opponents are your thing, here you go.

FIU Golden Panthers

Key Returnee: DE Tourek Williams

Summary: This unit has some solid talent ready to take them to their third consecutive winning season. It all starts with end Tourek Williams. The man is a monster, with the ability to alter a game with his dominant pass rush. Williams is joined by a solid secondary, and a group of linebackers with fewer questions than answers.

Summary: D+

Pitt Panthers

Key Returnees: DL Aaron Donald, CB K'Waun Williams

Summary: This defense returns only five starters. It's going to be a tough go, even with a new head coach and man-beast Aaron Donald returning. The options at linebacker are not all that impressive, and Donald loses the support of fellow beast Brandon Lindsey. The secondary struggled at times last season, but returns three starters and should show marked improvement.

Grade: C-

TCU Horned Frogs

Key Returnees: DE Stansly Maponga

Summary: The Horned Frogs were dealt a couple of big blows in the offseason when Tanner Brock, D.J, Yendrey and Devin Johnson were dismissed from the team. That means that only two starters return in the back seven. I have a sneaking suspicion, that in spite of the best efforts of Maponga and company, this defense is going to get torched in the pass-happy Big 12.

Grade: C-

Purdue Boilermakers

Key Returnees: CB Ricardo Allen, DT Kawann Short

Summary: It's simple really. The Boilermakers have two guys that play at All-Conference level all the time, and a bunch of guys trying to keep up. The defensive line rises and falls on Short's performance, and with some new players heading into the secondary, the same could be said of Allen. Danny Hope has some huge holes to fill before September.

Grade: C-

Missouri Tigers

Key Returnees: DE Brad Madison, LB Zaviar Gooden, LB Andrew Wilson

Summary: Let's cut to the chase. The story of this defense will not be its depth, talent or lack thereof, but how well they handle the transition to the SEC. This defense seems a little too shaky to contend with the likes of Lacy, Crowell and Lattimore. The pass defense was 94th in the nation last season, but should be at least minimally improved given more experience.

Grade: C

Virginia Cavaliers

Key Returnees: CB Demetrious Nicholson, SS Anthony Harris

Summary: Mike London has things headed in the right direction for the 'Hoos, and a strong defensive showing has been key to that resurgence. That said, this season presents new challenges. All-World cornerback Chase Minnifield is gone, as are three starters on the D-line. On top of that, the safeties were the bane of every scheme last season, and the depth and talent at the position has not improved.

Grade: C

Tennessee Volunteers

Key Returnees: The secondary—the Vols return their top 10 players in the secondary.

Summary: Sal Sunseri is taking over as the new defensive coordinator, and he has a ton of hard work ahead off him implementing his new 3-4 scheme. It's questionable whether the Vols have the playmakers at linebacker to make this even seem feasible. In the secondary, there is a plethora of experience, and some talent, while along the line, the pickings are pretty slim. Derek Dooley's seat is going to get hotter before it cools off.

Grade: C

Michigan Wolverines

Key Returnees: DE Craig Roh, S Jordan Kovacs

Summary: There are some solid producers returning to this unit, but without an upgrade to the defensive line, the Wolverines are going to struggle. Other than Roh, the defensive line has relatively little depth, and this could be the difference between a good season and a great one. The secondary is stacked, all the starting linebackers are returning and the scheme is headed into its second season in Ann Arbor. The defensive line will determine the success of this squad, and, judging from spring ball, that is a scary thing.

Grade: C

Miami Hurricanes

Key Returnees: DE Anthony Chickillo, LB Ramon Buchanan, LB Denzel Perryman

Summary: Al Golden is continuing the Hurricane tradition of flat being faster than everybody else on defense. In spite of the departure of Sean Spence, this group of linebackers is loaded with talent, and Chickillo is looking to build on his solid 2011 campaign at end. If safety Ray-Ray Armstrong plays up to his potential, and the fact that only five starters are returning does not cripple the defense, it has a shot at being pretty solid, especially as the season progresses.

Grade: C

Temple Owls

Key Returnees: Cornerbacks, cornerbacks, cornerbacks.

Summary: Zamel Johnson, Anthony Robey and Maurice Jones all return at corner, and while none of them were overly impressive in 2011, that year of experience will be key for Steve Addazio's team. The Owls lost to NFL-caliber players when linebackers Stephen Johnson and Tahir Whitehead departed. The line is not particularly intimidating, and without those star linebackers, the deficiencies in the secondary will be exposed.

Grade: C

USC Trojans

Key Returnees: DE Wes Horton, S T.J. McDonald

Summary: Horton is the only returning starter for the Trojans up front. This does not bode well for putting pressure on the quarterback, which in turn leaves the secondary susceptible. While McDonald and corner Nickell Robey have all kinds of talent, nobody can cover a receiver forever. Linebacker is the position with the most continuity and production, as both Hayes Pullard and Dion Bailey are back for Monte Kiffin. If the Kiff-meister doesn't figure something out on the line, it will be a long season for this defense.

Grade: C+

Penn State Nittany Lions

Key Returnees: S Malcolm Lewis, LB Gerald Hodges.

Summary: The line lost star tackle Devon Still and rush-master Jack Crawford. The secondary loses four starters, but at least Hodges anchors an incredibly talented group of linebackers. Bill O'Brien's first defense likely won't look all that pretty.

Grade: C

BYU Cougars

Key Returnees: LB Kyle Van Noy, LB Brandon Ogletree, NG Romney Fuga

Summary: BYU quietly had a top-20 run defense in 2011, and even though some would credit a weak schedule more than solid play, I would beg to differ. This team is stacked with talent in the front seven, particularly at linebacker. Expect more of the same against the run this season. That's where the good news stops. The Cougars have all kinds of problems in the secondary, and even the returning starters are not that great. Maybe the quality of the pass rush will cover those deficiencies against weaker foes, but I doubt it.

Grade: C+

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Key Returnees: DL Josh Boyd, CB Johnathan Banks

Summary: Let's be honest. This squad was not that good in 2011, then lost stud Fletcher Cox and Sean Ferguson on the defensive line. That said, there is plenty of returning talent to fill that void, as well as an extremely good secondary.

Grade: C+

Texas A&M Aggies

Key Returnees: LB Sean Porter, DE Damontre Moore

Summary: Two changes are working for the Aggies in 2012. The move to the 4-3 fits their talent better, specifically the move of Damontre Moore back to the end position. Besides that, strangely enough, the move to the SEC will benefit the Aggies. The 109th-ranked passing defense will not get torched as often through the air against SEC teams as it did in the pass-happy Big 12.

Grade: C+

Wisconsin Badgers

Key Returnees: LB Chris Borland, LB Mike Taylor

Summary: The Badgers were a top 10 team in 2011 in total defense. That will be a difficult performance to replicate this season. There are gaping holes in a secondary that has been a "weak spot" for the past few seasons, and the defensive line, while deep, has limited experience and no bona fide star. The brightest spot for this unit is a linebacking unit that returns two All-Big Ten performers in Borland and Taylor.

Grade: B-

Kansas State Wildcats

Key Returnees: DE Meshak Williams, LB Arthur Brown, CB Nigel Malone

Summary: The Wildcats surprised everybody last season by fielding a pretty solid unit on this side of the ball. With the amount of talent returning, there are few concerns. Getting pressure on the quarterback and covering receivers are pretty big concerns, however. The Wildcats ranked 103rd in passing defense last season, but with the return of several talented guys in 2012, that number will improve.

Grade: B-

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Key Returnees: LB Will Compton, DE Cameron Meredith

Summary: Gone is Carl Pelini, in his place, new defensive coordinator John Papuchis. This man has an interesting task ahead of him. Gone are Jared Crick, Lavonte David and Alfonzo Dennard. The Huskers have a ton of talent and depth to fill the gaps left by these losses, but need leaders to step up within the unit.

Grade: B-

Arkansas Razorbacks

Key Returnees: LB Alonzo Highsmith, SS Eric Bennett

Summary: This unit has potential, but still a long way to go to be on par with LSU in the SEC West. There is plenty of returning talent on the line, as well as both other levels of the defense, and the experience returning is huge. However, the Hogs are losing key players at each level of the unit, and need to tighten up their rushing defense, which checked in at 74th in the country in 2011.

Grade: B-

Clemson Tigers

Key Returnees: DL Tyler Shatley, DE Malliciah Goodman

Summary: The Tigers lost four of their top six defensive linemen going into 2012. On the flip side, the secondary and middle of this defense is loaded. Guys like Goodman and Shatley must step up on the line to take this unit to the next level for new defensive coordinator, Brent Venables.

Grade: B- 

Stanford Cardinal

Key Returnees: LB Chase Thomas, LB Shayne Skov

Summary: The Cardinal offense got all the press, while the defense toiled in relative obscurity. That's not entirely the way it should be. This defense has some NFL ready talent flying around the field. When linebacker Shayne Skov returns from injury and suspension to join fellow 'backers Chase Thomas and Jarek Lancaster, the Cardinal will boast the best linebacking group in the conference.

The secondary is really shaky, especially with the departure of three starters, and the departure of one of the co-defensive coordinators is a storyline to follow.

Grade: B-

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Key Returnees: LB Manti Te'o, DE Stephon Tuitt, NG Louis Nix

Summary: This defense had its ups and downs last season, as any defense with young starters will. This season was supposed to be the year that the front seven dominated, then end Aaron Lynch demanded a transfer. This puts a serious dent in the line's ability to rush the passer. however, it's not as if the cupboards are bare.

Te'o is a force at linebacker, and Tuitt's skill is nothing to sneeze at. The biggest concern remains in the secondary, where three starters are gone and spring practice has offered little hope.

Grade: B

Oregon Ducks

Key Returnees: DT Taylor Hart, DE Dion Jordan,  LB Kiko Alonso

Summary: "The Chip Kelly Experience" is paying off. This team, thanks to Kelly's radial rotations, has built an overwhelming stock of depth and experience. While it's not likely to dominate anybody, this defense has the talent to slow teams enough for their offense to outscore them.

Grade: B

USF Bulls

Key Returnees: LB Sam Barrington, LB Dede Lattimore

Summary: Guess who is going to challenge Louisville and Rutgers for the Big East title in 2012...that's right, the Bulls. Skip Holtz has got to get his team over the mental hurdle of actually competing in the Big East at a competitive level, and this defense has the talent to do so.

Grade: B

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Key Returnees: S Duron Harmon, LB Khaseem Greene

Summary: This Rutgers defense was on of the best in recent memory in 2011. Greene's lower leg injury leaves some room for concern, but if he can return to the field, coupled with fellow 'backer Kevin Snyder, this unit will wreak havoc. The departure of Greg Schiano means a new hand on the steering wheel, and even though the blitzing scheme Schiano ran to perfection is supposed to remain in place, questions abound about its efficacy.

Grade: B

Ohio State Buckeyes

Key Returnees: DT John Simon, LB Etienne Sabino

Summary: In Urban Meyer's first season as head coach, the Buckeyes return nine starters on the defensive side of the ball. That's a great number, but these guys were good, not great last season. The defensive line has got to get more pressure on the quarterback, and that starts with stud tackle John Simon.

Even in a year where they cannot play for the Big Ten title, this defense will have a very solid season.

Grade: B

Texas Longhorns

Key Returnees: DE Alex Okafor, DE Jackson Jeffcoat, CB Quandre Diggs

Summary: The 'Horns are returning six starters, including everybody in the secondary and both star defensive ends. These position will be areas of strength for a unit that should finish in the top 10 in the nation in defense next season. The shortage of experience on the interior of the line is a concern, but there is a wealth of talent waiting to step in and fill the hole left by Kheeston Randall and Calvin Howell.

Grade: A-

Oklahoma Sooners

Key Returnees: S Tony Jefferson, rest of the secondary

Summary: The Sooners have some huge shoes to fill on the offensive line, but if anybody can figure this thing out, it will be returning defensive coordinator, Mark Stoops. On the bright side, this back seven is one of the most talented groups the team has boasted in a decade.

Grade: B

Alabama Crimson Tide

Key Returnees: S Robert Lester. LB Nico Johnson

Summary: The success of the 3-4 defense is predicated on the play of the nose guard and linebackers. It all starts with those positions. For Alabama, that is not good news. The nose guard spot is still up in the air, and three new starters will replace the stellar talent at linebacker from 2011. Even the secondary must find guys to step up and fill the holes left by three starters.

Anywhere else this would be a devastating situation, but with the level of talent Nick Saban recruits, and the emphasis on defense in Tuscaloosa, it should be just a minor setback.

Grade: A-

Georgia Bulldogs

Key Returnees: S Bacarri Rambo, LB Jarvis Jones

Summary: Last season's edition of the Georgia defense finished third behind 'Bama and LSU in the SEC in rushing defense. With the return of six of the same front seven that led them to that success, this unit has "scary" written all over it.

Jarvis Jones is a monster from the linebacker position, and if Rambo decides to stay and serve his four-game suspension, defensive coordinator Todd Grantham will have a devastating set of talent to unleash on opponents. That is, if they can keep somebody on the team to play in the secondary. Besides Rambo's issues, Nick Marshall and Chris Sanders got booted off the team, and Jordan Love transferred.

Grade: A-

Virginia Tech Hokies

Key Returnees: DE Bruce Taylor, CB Antone Exum, CB Kyle Fuller

Summary: This unit has the potential to be one of the best Frank Beamer has ever had, and that's a pretty strong statement. Taylor, Exum and Fuller are All-Conference type talent that could even contend for All-American honors, and this team has stars at every level of the defense.

Sure, the safety positions, which are key to the scheme, are a little questionable, but overall, this looks like a unit that will be among the best in the nation.

Grade: A-

Michigan State Spartans

Key Returnees: LB Denicos Allen, LB Max Bullough, CB Johnny Adams, DE William Gholston

Summary: This group is stacked. Other than a gap at the defensive tackle position, the Spartans have absolutely no questions on the defensive side of the ball. The linebackers are some of the best in the country, the secondary is solid and Gholston is set for a big season at end.

Grade: A

Florida Gators

Key Returnees: Entire defensive line

Summary: This unit could be scary good. The base of all good defenses is line play, and the Gators return six of their top seven lineman from last season, including Ronald Powell. The linebackers are extremely athletic, and the secondary benefits from the stellar play up front. This unit has the potential to surpass South Carolina and Georgia as the "Beast of the East."

Grade: A

Florida State Seminoles

Key Returnees: DE Brandon Jenkins, CB Xavier Rhodes, CB Greg Reid

Summary: To put it simply, this defensive unit will be top five in the nation. Nine starters return, the defensive line, led by Jenkins and fellow end Bjoern Werner is scary good, and the secondary is loaded. New defensive coordinator Mark Stoops has got a wealth of talent on his hands, and it will be interesting to see how they perform after a lackluster 2011.

Grade: A

South Carolina Gamecocks

Key Returnees: S D.J. Swearinger, DE Jadeveon Clowney

Summary: The Gamecocks are deep and talented up front, even after the departure of Melvin Ingram and Travian Robertson. This front seven is going to be a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators. The secondary is a concern, however. Safety should be fine, with Swearinger and DeVonte Holloman forming a solid tandem. However, the 'Cocks lost tons of talent at corner, and filling that void is a concern.

Grade: A

LSU Tigers

Key Returnees: DE Barkevious Mingo, DE Sam Montgomery, CB Tyrann Mathieu

Summary: This unit has the perfect blend of returning experience and off-the-charts potential. Montgomery and Mingo start it off up front, where the two of them form one of the most formidable rushing duos in the nation.

At linebacker, Kevin Minter will lead the unit, but there is plenty of depth and experience to help fill the holes left by graduation. As for the secondary, Tyrann Mathieu is still around, as is Eric Reid, and both of them will challenge for All-SEC, and possibly All-American honors.

Grade: A+