College Football Rankings: The Top 10 Defenses Doing What Wins Championships
The Old Adage is still true: "Offense sells tickets, but Defense wins championships." The Top Ten College Football Defenses have a combined record of 55-8 at the midpoint of the 2010 season. Whether it is stuffing the run, shutting down the pass, or both, these teams are making it tough, week after week, on their opponents to do much other than get ready to punt the ball away.
10. Arizona (5-1): 284 Yds Per Game
1 of 11
Mike Stoops has the Wildcats wreaking havoc on other teams' offenses. Going into the 2010 season, there were plenty of question marks on this side of the ball in Tucson. Two linemen and the entire linebacker corps had to be replaced from last year's starters. Led by Senior Defensive Ends Brooks Reed and Ricky Elmore, the Arizona defenders are giving up a measly 90 rushing yards per game.
9. Nebraska (5-1): 274 Yds Per Game
2 of 11
Nebraska has returned to the top-tier of college football, and Head Coach Bo Pelini has done it with defense first. For most teams, if you lost a force like Ndamakong Suh, you would be in rebuilding mode; not the Cornhuskers. Jared Crick and Baker Steinkuhler anchor a defensive line that puts intense pressure on opposing QBs. Senior cornerback Prince Amukamara leads a secondary that currently is #1 in Pass Defense.
8, Central Florida ( 4-2): 264 Yds Per Game
3 of 11
If you face the Knights, you're in for a long day. Head Coach George O'Leary has developed hard-hitting defenses. And this year is no different. Senior DE Bruce Miller is the anchor up front. He was the 2009 C-USA Defensive Player of the Year and will command a double team on every play. Sophomore corner Josh Robinson was named a 1st Team All-American as a true freshman last season. He leads a very talented secondary.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. Utah (6-0): 253 Yds Per Game
4 of 11
With losing five of his top six tacklers from last season, Kyle Whittingham had to be a little nervous going into this season. Looks like the Utes have figured it out. They are in the top fifteen in the nation in both run and pass defense. Junior Brandon Burton and senior Lamar Chapman make for a solid cornerback tandem
6. Ohio State (6-1): 251 Yds Per Game
5 of 11
Face a Jim Tressel-coached team, and you’re in for a battle. Defense is always a strength for the Buckeyes, and this year is no different. Even while being hit extremely hard with injuries, Ohio State is very stingy in giving up yardage, ranking in the top fifteen in the nation in both run and pass defense.
5. West Virginia (5-1): 246 Yds Per Game
6 of 11
Over the years, West Virginia has been known for its explosive offensive firepower. This year, Head Coach Bill Stewart has his defense firing on all cylinders. You can almost forget about running (Ranked #4), throwing (#11) or scoring (#3) against the Mountaineers because they have very few weak parts to their game. First-year starters Terrence Garvin at safety and Anthony Leonard at linebacker lead the team in tackles. Speed rusher Bruce Irvin, a junior college transfer, has a team-high five sacks.
4. Texas (4-2): 245 Yds Per Game
7 of 11
Mack Brown may have one of the most athletic and talented secondaries (Aaron Williams, Blake Gideon, Curtis Brown, and Chykie Brown) in the country. And when you add Sam and Emmanuel Acho and Keenan Robinson, no wonder the Longhorns have the #3 Pass Defense.
3. LSU (7-0): 242 Yds Per Game
8 of 11
After a few mediocre (based on Bayou Bengal standards) years, Les Miles again has a game-controlling defense. With Drake Nevis anchoring the line, Kelvin Sheppard manning the middle of the field, and Patrick Peterson patrolling the secondary, the Tigers are tough as nails. With this unit on the field, no opponent is assured of anything.
2. TCU (7-0): 218 Yds Per Game
9 of 11
After losing four starters (two of which were NFL draft picks) off of last year's top-rated defense, one might wonder how good this year's Gary Patterson-coached defense would be. To put it into perspective: TCU's opponents have struck out for the month of October. Three swings and three misses in three games - no touchdowns. Only one field goal and all three teams were held to under 200 total yards. The Horned Frogs have the #1 Scoring Defense, giving up a nasty 9.3 points per game. Junior Linebacker Tank Carder (89 tackles, 2 sacks) is the team’s top returning tackler. Tanner Brock, a second-team Freshman All-American Linebacker, returns to continue his style of tough play. He received national attention for his helmetless block on Jeremy Kerley's 71-yard punt return for a touchdown against SMU.
1. Boise State (6-0): 210 Yds Per Game
10 of 11
Chris Petersen-coached teams have been known for their offensive fire-power and creativity. Now, Boise State has a defense that is more than making a name for itself. All four starting defensive linemen from last season (Shea McClellin, Ryan Winterswyk, Chase Baker, and Billy Winn) returned this year. The Broncos defensive philosophy starts with stopping the run, and it shows - they are the #1 Rushing Defense team in the nation, only giving up a ridiculous 59 ypg. The Pass Defense is not far behind (#5), giving up a stingy 151 ypg.
Who Will Play in The Championship Game?
11 of 11
The 2011 National Champion of College Football will be determined in Glendale, Arizona. No one even knows yet who will play in the game. But, there's a good chance that one or both of the teams that meet on the field Monday, January 10, 2011 will be Top Defensive teams.
"Offense sells tickets. Defense wins Championships!!!!"
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
