College Football 2011: Defensive Report Card For All 120 FBS Teams
They say defense wins championships. Does your favorite team have a defense that grades out as a unit that lead a team to a title?
We're going to take a look at every defense in the FBS and give the unit a grade going into the season. Some defenses passed; others need some extra credit to make up some assignments.
However you look at it, we have some amazing defenses returning in college football, and there are others who'll need to patch up some bodies to have just enough to not get lit up every Saturday.
Let's get to gradin'.
Sun Belt Conference
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Arkansas St: D
Florida Atlantic: C
Florida International: C+
Louisiana Lafayette: D
Louisiana Monroe: B-
MTSU: C
North Texas: D
Troy: B+
Western Kentucky: C
Mid-American Conference
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Akron: C- Ball State: C-
Bowling Green: C Central Michigan: D
Buffalo: C Eastern Michigan: D-
Kent State: B Northern Illinois: C
Miami (OH): A- Toledo: C+
Ohio: C Western Michigan: C
Temple: C+
WAC
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Hawaii: C+
Idaho: C
Louisiana Tech: C-
Nevada: C
New Mexico State: D
San Jose State: D+
Utah State: D
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Fresno State
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The Bulldog defense struggled last year, allowing 35 points in each of its five losses. 4.6 yards per rush and 7.2 yards per pass were allowed in 2010.
Playmakers are needed on the DL, as the unit lost its top two playmakers from 2010 in Chris Carter and Cornell Banks. OLB Travis Brown returns, but needs help on the second level. Phil Thomas and Ike Green are back in the secondary, which is a big help.
Grade: C
Mountain West Conference
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New Mexico: D-
SDSU: B-
UNLV: D+
Wyoming: C-
Air Force
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Air Force had some troulbe pressuring the passer and being stout against the run in 2010.
Anthony Wright needs another CB to emerge opposite of him, as Reggie Rembert is gone. The front seven returns Zach Payne at DE and Jordan Waiwaiole at LB, but another pass rusher is needed to help these two out.
Grade: C
Boise State
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This defense is basically an all-star team, as eight players from last year made either first or second team All-WAC. Wowsers.
The Broncos return four of the All-WAC defenders in DT Billy Winn, DE Schea McClellin, LB Byron Hout and DS George Iloka. Tyrone Crawford also returns to the DL. Boise State needs to shore up the cornerback position, as that seems like the only weakness on this unit.
Grade: A-
Colorado State
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This unit was not good at all last year. Opponents completed nearly 70 percent of their passes and allowed 6.5 yards per play. Wowsers, but not in a good way.
The worst unit on the defense is the secondary, as no one made any plays last year on a regular basis. The DL is not far behind, allowing five yards a rush last year, and its top player, Guy Miller, is gone. Mychal Sission is the only star on the unit, as he forced seven fumbles last year.
Grade: D
TCU
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Four of five starters are gone in the secondary, and the defenses also lost its top two DL.
But the LBs are back, including All-World defender Tank Carder, who was the MWC DPOY. Carder needs help all around him, though, as no returning player had more than three sacks last season. Colin Jones also needs to be replaced at strong safety.
Grade: C
Army
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Army had an up and down year on the defensive side of the ball. They got run over by Kent State and Eastern Michigan, but the stats and numbers show a solid unit. Will the real Black Knight defense please stand up?
The pass rush was bad, outside of star DE Josh McNary. FS Donavan Travis, DT Mike Gann and LB Stephen Anderson all are gone as well. This will be a young defense in 2011, which means more inconsistent play.
Grade: C
BYU
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DE Vic So'oto is gone, which means the rest of the DL will be looking at each other to step. So'oto was a star on the unit and very productive.
Three LBs return to start again for the Cougars, as should Jordan Pendleton. Kyle Van Noy, Jordan Wagner and Brandon Ogletree all are back to improve upon last year's great play at LB. The secondary loses three starters and needs playmakers to emerge quickly.
Grade: C
Navy
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The Midshipmen were not overly impressive on defense last year, and to make matters worse, they only return three starters. Ouch.
The unit allowed 5.7 yards per play and 4.6 per rush. Yet, DE Jabaree Tuani is back, as he totaled 72 tackles, 15.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. Yet Tuani looks like the only bright spot defensively for Navy going in to the 2011 season.
Grade: D
Notre Dame
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The Irish defense was actually pretty solid in 2010, showing some improvement from the Charlie Weis days. They allowed about 20 points a game and 5.2 yards per play.
Ethan Johnson is back at DT, as he will need some help around him in the front. Johnson had five sacks last year from his DT spot. But Aaron Lynch, a highly touted true freshman DE, should provide a spark. Manti Te'o is one of the best overall defenders in the country at LB, and Darius Fleming is not far behind.
The secondary, which saw Harrison Smith emerge last year, needs some work.
Grade: B
Conference USA
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East Carolina: D-
Marshall: B-
Memphis: D+
UAB: B-
Rice: D
SMU: C
Tulane: C-
UTEP: C-
Southern Miss
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Kory Williams and Cordero Law made the Southern Miss front seven one of the best in the country last year. They were very, very good against the run, allowing only 3.6 yards per carry and 87 TFLs.
Terrance Popw is back at DT, and CB Deron Wilson is back after having 12 PBUs and three picks last year. This unit should be solid once again.
Grade: B
UCF
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The Golden Knight defense was very good in 2010 and does return some solid talent for the 2011 run. Darius Nall, Victor Gray and Troy Davis all should return to the DL form a solid trio.
LB returns Josh Linam, who is a very solid second level defender, but he needs two others to join the party. Reggie Weams is gone from the secondary, but Kemal Ishmael and Josh Robinson are back.
Grade: B+
Houston
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This unit was a head scratcher in 2011. The Cougars allowed almost six yards per play, including 4.8 yards per rush and 7.3 yards per pass.
Five starters return on the front seven, including Sammy Brown, a talented OLB that led Houston with 7.5 sacks and 19.5 TFLs. Brown will have to be near Superman-esque for the defense to get off the field consistently, as even the back end loses three starters from 2010.
Grade: C-
Tulsa
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Tulsa has a great chance of opening the season inside the top 25 rankings this year. The offense will get most of the publicity, but the defense should also be solid as the unit has a knack for making key big plays.
Shawn Jackson and Curnelius Arnick are back at LB, and Tyrunn Walker returns at DE. Dexter McCoil and Marco Nelso are back in the secondary. This unit forced 36 TOs, 30 sacks, 24 interceptions and 77 TFLs.
Grade: B
Boston College
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DE Max Halloway and DT Kaleb Ramsey are both back, and both have solid playmaking ability at their spots. They split 21.5 TFLs between them in 2010.
LB is the spot of strength on the defensive unit, as Kevin Pierre-Louis and Luke Kuechly are back. Kuechly was among the top tacklers in the country and had 10.5 TFLs, three picks and two FFs in 2010. He's a prime candidate for the Butkus.
Donnie Fletcher and Jim Noel return to the secondary.
Grade: B+
Clemson
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This turned out to be a pretty solid unit in 2010. The Tigers allowed just 4.8 yards per play and finished at 3.5 yards per run with 97 TFLs. Wowsers. Versus the pass, 6.5 yards per attempt with 32 sacks and 15 picks. Nice.
Andre Branch must step up now that Da'Quan Bowers is gone at DE. Rennie Moore and Brandon Thompson need to fill the gap Jarvis Jenkins left at DT. Corico Hawkins will take the lead at LB, and DeAndre McDaniel needs to be replaced in the secondary.
Grade: B
Florida State
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Mark Stoops will be a head coach soon enough, and his turnaround of the FSU defense will be one of the main staples on his resume. He dropped the unit from allowing 6.7 yards a play in 2009 to just 4.9 in 2010.
The front seven made 48 sacks and 95 TFLs and has a slew of talent, including Brandon Jenkins and his 13.5 sacks and 21.5 TFLs. Nigel Bradham is back to start at WLB. The entire secondary is back including Greg Reid, Xavier Rhodes and Mike Harris.
Grade: A
Maryland
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The Terps were solid in 2010 after a down year on defense in 2009. Twenty-nine forced TOs, 28 sacks and 83 TFLs all were hauled in in 2011.
The DL has three returning starters, and two are DTs (Joe Vellano and AJ Francis). Demetrius Hartsfield and Darin Drakeford must step up to keep up the production the LBs have spewed for Maryland over the years.The secondary lost just one starter and should be a strength.
Grade: B
North Carolina State
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The Wolfpack defense was a big playmaking unit in 2010, with 42 sacks and 99 TFLs attached to its name. DT J.R. Sweezy returns, as he had 5.5 sacks last year and also 11 TFLs.
Audie Cole and Terrell Manning both coming back certainly helps the LBs. They split 9.5 sacks and 21.5 TFLs between them last season. The secondary was green last year, but now armed with experience, should see solid play in 2011.
Grade: B
Wake Forest
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The Demon Deacons' DL was vastly undersized in 2010, as no one really weighed more than 255 pounds or so. They were small at the POA and got pushed around upfront, evidenced by surrendering 4.7 yards per rush.
Nikita Whitlock was the lone DL that showed promise in 2010, finishing with 10.5 TFLs and three sacks. Sans Kyle Wilbur, the LBs are empty in ammo. Three freshmen started in the secondary last year.
Grade: D
Duke
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This defense was very, very bad in 2010. They never gave up less than 21 points a game, only got 12 sacks and 53 TFLs. They gave up nearly nine yards per passing attempt and five yards per rush.
The top two returning layers are DT Charlie Hatcher and LB Kelby Brown. Hatcher had 7.5 TFLs . The secondary has three starters back, including Russ Cockrell.
Grade: D-
Georgia Tech
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Stopping the run and rushing the passer are the two essential elements to playing defense. Well, Georgia Tech wasn't special at neither in 2010, as they gave up 4.5 yards per rush and only had 17 sacks.
The DL was nowhere to be found most of the year, as even top returner Logan Walls had zero TFLs. Steven Sylvester returns, along with several other talented LBs, but all four starters are gone on the back end. Rod Sweeting and Isaiah Johnson are two back end defenders to keep an eye on.
Grade: C-
Miami
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Miami begins a new era in 2011, with Randy Shannon gone and Al Golden now the new head coach. Golden's specialty is defense, so he will better a unit that already made 37 sacks and 115 TFLs.
The Hurricanes' best defenders are Sean Spence at LB and Marcus Fortson at DT. Spence is a missile that flies all over the field and had 17.5 TFLs last year. The secondary has questions on the flanks, as Brandon Harris is gone at CB. But Vaughn Telemaque and Ray Ray Armstrong are back at DS and are promising players.
Grade: B+
North Carolina
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Was it me, or wasn't the Tar Heel defense supposed to be lacking last year after losing so many stars to suspension last year? Well, it wasn't.
Talk about bookend DEs, as Quinton Coples and Dante Paige-Moss are among the very best defensive players in college football period. They combined for 17 sacks and nearly 30 TFLs alone between them. The back seven needs players to emerge again, but LB Kevin Reddick is back, and he's also a great player.
Grade: B+
Virginia
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5.1 yards per rush. 7.6 yards per pass. Not good to allow by the Cavalier defense in 2010.
Cam Johsnon is the only DL that showed any promise last year, Matt Conrath must improve on his mere 2.5 sacks and 5.5 TFLs. Laroy Reynolds, Steve Greer and Ausar Walcott all are back at LB. Chase Minnefield is one of the top CBs in the country and is joned by Devin Wallace in a secondary that has several returners.
Grade: C-
Virginia Tech
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Bud Foster coordinated a group that finished with 26 sacks last year, and James Gayle and J.R. Collins are back along the DL. Antoine Hopkins is back at DT.
Bruce Taylor, all 91 tackles, 15 TFLs and six sacks, return to lead a solid LB corps. The secondary will be strong yet again, as Eddie Whitley and Jayron Hosley are back to lead a talented group along with Antone Exume and Kyle Fuller.
Grade: A
Cincinnati
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Cinci was solid on defense last year, as the unit registered 26 sacks and 77 TFLs last year. The DL has four starters back, and that includes Brandon Mills, Derek Wolfe and Dan Giordano.
The LB units was good also, as all three starters are back that totaled seven sacks, 25.5 TFLS and five FFs. The secondary is the Achilles heel. This part of the defense was miserable, as they gave up 25 TDs and 7.6 yards per passing attempt.
Grade: B-
UConn
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Aside from Landry Jones carving up the Huskies' defense, UConn was pretty good, allowing 5.3 yards/play. The pass defense was good in conference play, 6.5 yards/attempt and 20 interceptions in 2010 vs. Big East schools.
Four starters are back on the DL, and Sio Moore returns at LB. The back end will be strong, as Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Dwayne Gratz and Jerome Junior are back after splitting 10 picks among them.
Grade: B
Louisville
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Charlie Strong worked his magic immediately last year, as he got his defense down to allowing just five yards/play and up to 38 sacks and 86 TFLs.
The DL needs to step up, as both DEs are gone and no returning pass rusher had more than two sacks last year. Greg Scruggs is the only returning productive DT. Daniel Brown is back at LB, and may even be asked to provide more of a pass rush this year. CB needs players to emerge.
Grade: B-
Pittsburgh
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4.7 yards/play. 3.5 yards/rush. 6.1 yards/pass attempt. All very good numbers by the Panther defense in 2010.
Though Jabaal Sheard is gone, Brandon Lindsey and Chas Alecxih combined for almost 18 sacks in 2010 and are back. Moving to a 3-4 scheme, the LB must transition to new responsibilities. The CBs need to improve their ball skills, but Jarred Holley and his five picks are back.
Grade: B+
Rutgers
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DT is the position where Rutgers needs to find some playmakers at, as only Scott Vallone is the only returnee. Steve Beauharnais is back at LB, and former DS Khaseem Greene is movng to LB. Greene forced four fumbles is known as a big hitter.
David Rowe is the only returner in the secondary and had five PBUs. Three newbies will be relied upon.
Grade: C
South Florida
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The Bulls were more than stout against the run in 2010. They surrendered only 3.5 yards/rush and made 88 TFLs.
Craig Marshall and Terrell McClain are gone, but a deep and revolving rotation was deployed along the DL, which is why no one had more than four sacks last year. Jerrell Young is back at DS and is the unit's best pass defender.
Grade: B+
Syracuse
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The Orange get three DLs back; I'm not too high on any of them stat-wise. Chandler Jones, Mikhail Marinovich and Brandon Sharpe combined for just over 10 sacks last year.
Marquis Spruill had a solid season at LB, with nine TFLs. Both safeties are back in upstate New York, but the CB spot will see new players as starters and in the nickel and dime roles in 2011.
Grade: C
West Virginia
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Dana Holgorsen is an offensive coach, but his defense should be pretty good, as they were great in 2010. WVU only gave up a stifling 2.7 yards/rush last year and adding 45 sacks.
Seven starters are gone from the front seven, but Julian Miller and Bruce Irvin are back. Miller had nine sacks and 14 TFLs, while Irvin had 14 sacks and two FFs. Najee Goode is back at SLB. NT and MLB need players, and the secondary needs three new starters.
Grade: B
Iowa State
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The DL and secondary really struggled last year. The defense gave up 5.5 yards/play, 4.3 yards/rush and 7.2 yards/pass attempt. Chip in just 11 sacks and 54 TFLs, and you see the reasoning.
Seven starters are back, including Jake Knott and AJ Klein at LB. Knott had 130 tackles, while Klein had 111. But the DL and secondary needs to play better in 2011.
Grade: C-
Kansas
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The Jayhawk defense gave up 6.2 yards/play, almost eight yards a passing attempt and five yards/rush in 2010.
The front seven had little playmaking and dynamic play, and Jake Laptad and Justin Springer are gone. The top two DLs only had two sacks combined last year. Steven Johnson is back at LB and should be solid, but the secondary needs more ball hawking players.
Grade: D
Kansas State
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K-State played small generally at the POA along the front seven in 2010, and getting bigger and stronger was the case this spring.
Brandon Harold is the top front seven defender back, but only had two sacks last year. Alex Hrbec is the top returning LB for the Wildcats. Both starting CBs are gone, but top nickel back David Garrett is back and he had an impressive 15 TFLs. Both safeties are back.
Grade: C
Missouri
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The secondary is the biggest question mark for Gary Pinkel's defense. Kip Edwards is back, but Kevin Tuttland and Carl Gettis are gone. Kenji Jackson is on the verge of stardom at SS.
Aldon Smith and Andrew Gashkar are gone, but the front seven will be strong. Brad Madison and Jacquies Smith are back at DE. Josh Tatum is talented but needs to get healthy fully, and Zaviar Gooden is back at LB.
Grade: B-
Baylor
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The defense played the piano too much in 2010. They rarely played on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage and had zero sacks vs. TCU, Oklahoma, A&M and Oklahoma State and gave up nearly 50 points per game against these four teams.
Tevin Elliot returns at DE, and though he had five sacks, he tailed off down the stretch. LB Chris McAllister is back at LB. Three new starters are needed in the secondary.
Grade: C-
Oklahoma State
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The Cowboys have a great offense returning and could see themselves as a prime dark horse team for the BCS title game. The defense must keep its end of the bargain. Against Oklahoma, Nebraska and A&M, the Pokes gave up 44 points/game.
Six starters are gone on defense, so this unit may be a bit green in 2011. SS Markelle Martin will be the main defender asked to carry most of the load, as he had 10 PBUs, three picks and two TFLs in 2010.
Grade: C+
Texas A&M
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Von Miller and Michael Hodges are both gone and need to be replaced at LB. But Miller's back up, Demontre Moore, is a solid rising player that had 5.5 sacks in 2010.
The Aggies have Garrick Williams and his 112 tackles along with Sean Porter back at LB. Coryell Judie is one of the top players in the country, and the CB takes on the opposing team's top WR every Saturday. Three contributors are back on the DL.
Grade: B
Texas Tech
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Tommy Tuberville's defense was not skilled at stopping the pass. Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and and A&M had the Red Raiders giving up an average of nine yards per attempt.
The secondary employed many young players, but the pass rush needs to be revved up mightily. Scott Smith may or may not be back, depending on his actions. But if he makes it back, he should be in beast mode again, as in the five games he played in 2010, Smith had three sacks, four TFLs, one interception and two FFs, as a DE.
Grade: C
Texas
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Manny Diaz takes over this unit, and the new Longhorn DC is a rising star among defensive coaches in the game.
DT Kheeston Randall had 10.5 TFLs in 2010, and LB Emmanuel Acho registered 10 as well. LB Keenan Robinson is also back, along with his playmaking ability. Texas only had eight interceptions, so Kenny Vaccaro's ball skills in the secondary will be that much more valuable.
Grade: B
Oklahoma
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The Sooners gave up a solid 4.1 yards/rush last year and made 37 sacks, 106 TFLs, 19 interceptions and 17 FFs. The defense is expected to be even better and more productive in 2011.
Frank Alexander is back at DE, as he registered nearly eight sacks in 2010. The LBs, minus the unfortunate death of Austin Box, return Travis Lewis and a couple other great talents. Quinton Carter, Jamell Fleming, Demontre Hurst and Tony Jefferson, a budding star in my opinon, are all back in the secondary.
Grade: A
California
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Things were going well for the Bears and Clancy Pendergast's defense, until they got scorched by USC. Overall, it was a solid year in Berkley defensively, as Cal gave up just 4.8 yards/play and a strong 3.7 yards/run.
The Bears have to replace Cam Jordan and Mike Mohamed in the front seven, bu Mychal Kendricks at LB and Trevor Guyton at DE are back. Kendricks had seven sacks and 14.5 TFLs, while Guyton had 4.5 sacks and 8.5 TFLs in 2010. The back end needs some playmakers.
Grade: B
Oregon
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The Ducks have to replace several key starters from last year's Pac-10 championship and BCS title game appearance squad. DE Kenny Rowe and LB Casey Matthews seem to be most glaring voids.
But Brandon Bair and Zac Clark are also gone at DT, and Spencey Paysinger is gone at LB. Josh Kiddu, Boseko Lokombo and Michael Clay all will be prime defenders counted on to make plays in Eugene. But Cliff Harris, if he can work through his off field troubles, is back at CB and is the type of talent that can anchor a defense.
Grade: C+
Oregon State
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Even though the Beavers were not too overly stout against the run, allowing 7.7 yards/pass was the main problem last year. There are holes on this defense due to losing Stephen Paea, Gabe Miller and Brennan Olander on the DL.
Dwight Robertson is gone, and Tony Wilson will be one of the top LBs returning. Jordan Poyer will need to step up and replace James Dockery at CB.
Grade: C
Stanford
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The Cardinal, like the Oregon schools, have some serious re-tooling to do on defense. They need to replace two of their three starting DLs and two more LBs.
But they do get Shayne Skov and Chase Thomas back at LBs, and the two combined for 14 sacks and 21 TFLs in 2010. Richard Sherman is gone in the secondary, but the other three starters do come back. Delano Howell, a talented DS, is one of the top DBs in the Pac-12.
Grade: B
Washington
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Washington surrendered 4.7 yards/run last year, and that number must drop in 2011. Mason Foster and Victor Aiyewa are gone, so that doesn't help.
At DL, the Huskies get Hau'oli Jamora, Alameda Ta'amu and Everrette Thompson back, as the trio combined for 17.5 TFLs. Cort Dennison is back at LB, as he made 92 stops, eight TFLs and two picks last year. Three starters return to the back end, but Nate Williams is gone. Nate Fellner and Quinton Richardson are the top two DBs.
Grade: C+
Washington State
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This defense Swiss was pretty much Swiss cheese-like in 2010. The Cougars allowed nearly six yards per rush and 8.2 yards per passing attempt. Ouch.
But the front seven has some pieces coming back that should be improved in 2011. DE Travis Long and LBs CJ Mizell and Alex Hoffman-Ellis are back. The young secondary returns just about everyone, and with a year of experience under their belt, they should be better in 2011.
Grade: C
Arizona
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Five starters among the DL and safeties are gone from last year. Ricky Elmore and his 11 sacks, along with Brook Reed and his 6.5 sacks and 10 TFLs, are gone. So is DT Lolomana Mikaela.
But DT Justin Washington is back and will look to make a move up into the echelon of top Pac-12 defensive players. The LBs all pretty much are back, and Derek Earls and Paul Vassallo form a great second level defensive duo. Shaquille Richardson is solid at CB.
Grade: B-
Arizona State
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This defense did its job last season, but wasn't overly magical. ASU allowed just five yards/play, which is good, but the 23 sacks and 89 TFLs must improve.
Almost everyone is back on the unit, which is why the Sun Devils feel they have a chance to do damage in 2011. LB Vontaze Burfict is one of the top overall players and NFL prospects in the country. Omar Bolden is also an NFL prospect at CB.
Grade: B+
Colorado
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The Buffs weren't that good last year, and the defense was a prime reason why. Giving up eight yards/passing attempt won't cut it.
They do get their top two pass rushers back more than likely, in DEs Josh Hartigan and Forrest West. These two combined for 12.5 sacks last year.
Grade: D
UCLA
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UCLA was shredded vs. the run last year, as they gave up 5.2 yards/rush. The DL was a weakness and needs to step up in 2011. Owamagbe Odighizuwa is the prime candidate to make a jump at DE.
Akeem Ayers is gone to the NFL, but Sean Westgate is a good LB that returns. The secondary gets three back, but Rahim Moore was their best player. Tony Dye seems to be the man on the back end now, as he led the team with 96 tackles from his SS spot. Aaron Hester and Sheldon Price are back at CB.
Grade: C
USC
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USC has to get better on defense. They have too much talent, recruiting-wise, not to be an upper-echelon unit. Word around Hollywood has it that Monte Kiffin and the staff have simplified the scheme, and the players are laying more faster and thinking less.
The Trojans gave up 4.4 yards/rush and 7.3 yards/passing attempt in 2010. They have moved Devon Kennard back to DE from LB, get Christian Tupou back from injury and have Nick Perry, Armond Armstead, George Uko, Chris Galippo and Shane Horton back in the front seven.
Nikell Robey and TJ McDonald are emerging stars in the secondary.
Grade: C+
Utah
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The Utes will learn quickly that while an overall averaging of just 5.3 yards/play is good defensively in the Pac-12, giving up almost eight yards a passing attempt won't cut it.
That means the secondary must improve, but what makes this bad is that four of the top five DBs are gone. So the back end will be an all-new unit, sans solid playing SS Brian Blechen. The pass rush also needs to be revved up mightily, but the LBs are solid with Chaz Walker and Matt Martinez at the helm.
Grade: C
Illinois
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Cory Liuget and Martez Wilson are gone, as they were the Illini's top two defenders. Clay Nurse and his four sacks are also gone at DE.
Ian Thomas and Justin Staples are back at LB and will have to raise their game. These two combined for 11 TFLs last year. Three return to the secondary, but the corners need to make more plays on the ball. Tavon Wilson and Trulon Henry are solid safeties.
Grade: C
Indiana
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The Hoosiers were terrible defensively last year. They gave up 5.1 yards/rush, 8.3 yards/pass attempt and 6.6 yards/play.
It was a combo of the front seven and back end, as the front seven only had 15 sacks and 61 TFLs, while the DBs only had eight picks and five PBUs. The unit will shift to a 4-3 scheme in 2011 with new head coach Kevin Wilson. Improvement needs to be seen instantly.
Grade: D
Ohio State
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Around seven starters are gone from the Buckeye defense, and so is pretty much the entire back end.
On the DL, Nate Williams and John Simon are back, as these two combined for 7.5 sacks and 17 TFLs. But a top notch pass rusher needs to come on early. Andrew Sweat will need to replace Brian Rolle. Travis Howard is the only DB that has any experience.
Grade: C+
Penn State
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Known as "Linebacker U," the Nittany Lions are known to be tough and stout, particularly against the run. Not in 2010, though, as they gave up almost five yards/rush.
The front seven lacked a dynamic talent, a rare feat for PSU, as it made only 17 sacks and 71 TFLs. Pete Massaro and Jack Crawford are back at DE, Mike Mauti and Nate Stupar at LB and four starters are back in the secondary.
Grade: C+
Purdue
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Last year, the front seven was an elite unit for the Boilermakers, evidenced by the defense giving up just a 3.6 yards/rush. The secondary has talent, but must improve. Ricardo Allen and Josh Johnson are back at CB.
Kawann SHort is back at DT, and his 12 TFLs and 4.5 sacks as a DT will be even more valuable in 2011. LBs Joe Holland, Dwayne Beckford and Will Lucas are back.
Grade: B-
Wisconsin
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Playmaking DE J.J. Watt is gone, and Louis Nzegwu needs to be the one that puts the onus on him to pick up the load.
LB should be a spot of strength for the entire team, as Chris Borland is back off injury and Mike Taylor also returns. The top two DBs are Aaron Henry and Antonio Fenelus, as they combined for six interceptions and 14 PBUs.
Grade: B
Iowa
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The Hawkeye defense was pretty good in 2010 overall; they allowed just 4.9 yards/play and had a great DL and secondary. Both units combined for five players on the All-Big Ten team.
Yet, Mike Daniels is the only DT returning with solid experience, but he had 11 TFLs and four sacks in 2010, so he's a star in the making. No other DL coming back had over one TFL. James Morris is back at LB and is the star of the corp. Both CBs are back in Micah Hyde and Shaun Prater.
Grade: B+
Michigan
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Well, if you ask me, the defense basically was the unit that axed Rich Rod's tenure in Ann Arbor. This unit gave up a ridiculous 6.1 yards/play and 8.3 yards/pass attempt.
The front seven needs to actually, you know, be a front seven. They made just 17 sacks and 70 TFLs last year. Ryan Van Bergen is back at DE and is the player with most production up front. Mike Martin is a solid DT. Four starters are back in the secondary.
Let's go, Big Blue; you're better than that.
Grade: D+
Michigan State
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Aside from Iowa and Alabama exposing them, the Spartans were solid on defense in 2010, giving up a solid 5.3 yards/play.
But they lacked playmakers, as they made just 20 sacks and 66 TFLs. To pour salt on the wound, Greg Jones and Eric Gordon are gone. Ouch. Yet, Jerel Worthy is back at DT, and on the back end, Trenton Robinson and Johnny Adams are back.
Grade: B
Minnesota
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The Golden Gophers' defense wasn't good at all in 2010. They gave up 33 points a game, 6.6 yards/play, 5.3 yards/rush and 8.6 yards/pass attempt.
The front seven has to get better, yesterday. Jewhan Edwards is the top returning DT and put up three sacks and 11 TFLs. Gary Tinsley is a good LB and had 90 tackles and 9.5 TFLs. Both safeties are gone, and the two CBs returning need to improve.
Grade: D
Nebraska
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The Big Red defense is one of the prime reasons to watch college football alone in 2011. This unit has potential to be one of the very best defenses in a long time.
They gave up just 4.6 yards/play, 5.5 yards/pass attempt and forced just under 49 percent of passes completed. Wow. Jared Crick at DT, Lavonte David LB and Alfonzo Dennard at CB are all All-American type of defenders. Cam Meredith is not far down on that list, either.
Grade: A
Northwestern
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Having a bad front seven in the run heavy Big Ten will not let a team reach its potential. Northwestern's front seven was not good in 2010, allowing 5.9 yards/play. Illinois lit them up for 519 yards, and Wisconsin got them for a cool 329.
The DL had just 17 sacks last season.
DE Vince Brown and LB Bryce McNaul are the two main defenders that must grow this year. Jordan Mabin is one of three starters back in the secondary
Grade: D+
Florida
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Will Muschamp and Dan Quinn have some pieces to work with in Gainesville, as the Gators' defense gave up just 4.7 yards/play and caught 22 interceptions in 2010.
But the pass rush needs to be given a jolt, as no one had over three sacks last year. The front seven has Jaye Howard and Sharrif Floyd back at DT, along with Jelani Jenkins at LB. Janoris Jenkins, Will Hill and Ahmad Black are gone from the secondary, but there is a lot of talent on the come.
Grade: B
Georgia
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This is a key year for Georgia, as now the Bulldogs should be adjusted to the new 3-4 scheme employed by Todd Grantham. They need to improve on getting off the field, as while the defense played pretty well overall, they did give up long drives.
Justin Houston is gone, and he more than likely is the top defender on the team. 11 sacks? 19.5 TFLs? Yeah, that sounds about right. Three other starting LBs are gone, and Christian Robinson will be asked to make plays. There are four starters back in the secondary, and they all combined for 11 picks among them in Brandon Boykin, Braden Smith, Baccarri Rambo and Sanders Commings.
Grade: B
Kentucky
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The DL needs to step up, fast. Taylor Wyndham led the unit with just 2.5 sacks and six TFLs. All five starters are back in the secondary, including Winston Guy and his 106 tackles.
But the top defender easily is Danny Trevathan at LB. Trevathan led the team with 144 stop and 16.5 TFLs and also had four FFs. Ronnie Snead must help out Trevathan on the second level.
Grade: C+
South Carolina
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The DL for the Gamecocks is the opposite of Kentucky's, as this unit has a slew of talent. Melvin Ingram (nine sacks), Devin Taylor (7.5 sacks) and even DT Travian Robertson had four sacks in 2010. They will be joined by 6'6", 250 pound All-World recruit Jadeveon Clowney at DE.
LB needs to be strengthened, as Spur Antonio Allen is back, and Shaq Wilson should return from injury. Outside Stephon Gilmore, the secondary needs a few more playmakers.
Grade: B
Tennessee
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Five starters left from a front seven that led a defense that forced 28 TOs and gave up just 5.4 yards/play.
Malik Jackson is back on the DL, as he made five sacks and 11 TFLs in 2010. Herman Lathers also returns at LB. Competition should be abound in summer camp this year for the other five starting front seven spots. The DBs are the top unit in Knoxville, with four starters back on a unit with great talent.
Grade: B
Vanderbilt
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The defense was just a bit better than the offense, but that's not really a great thing for Vandy. The defense gave up 4.5 yards/rush and 7.8 yards/pass attempt.
They do get about six DL back, but none of them had more than 3.5 sacks. A pass rush is sorely needed from someone on the Commodore roster. Rob Lohr figures to be that guy inside at DT. Chris Marve is back at LB, and Casey Howard is the top CB in the secondary.
Grade: C-
Arkansas
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Eight starters are back for the Hogs, and the front seven was a pretty solid unit, sans a few games in 2010.
Jerry Franklin and Jerico Nelson are back at LB, and Jake Bequette and Tenarius Wright return at DE. DT gets four back, but two of them need to stand out. Tramaine Thomas is back at DS, but Ruddell Crim needs to be replaced. The corners need to make a few more picks in 2011.
Grade: B+
Auburn
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Nick Fairley is gone, which is a huge blow, but so are four other DLs that contributed in 2010. DE Nosa Eguae is a budding star that had 3.5 sacks as a sophomore. Corey lemonier is another DE expected to make a jump.
Daren Bates is the lone starter back at LB, but Eltoro Freeman did make four TFLs last year in spot duty. The secondary allowed seven yards/pass attempt, 25 TDs and was a weakness in 2010. Neiko Thirpe is the top returner to the unit.
Grade: C
Mississippi State
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This defense stopped the run very well last year. They allowed just 3.6 yards/rush and made 90 TFLs.
But the pass rush has to get going, as this was a weakness for the Bulldogs last year, with no one having more than 2.5 sacks. The secondary should be a strength, as they will see Johnathan Banks, Nickoe Whitley and Corey Broomfield return.
Grade: B+
Ole Miss
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The front seven, specifically the DLs, need to emerge early. No returner had more than 5.5 TFLs last year.
At LB, only D.T. Shackelford is back. There will be a plethora of youth among the Rebel defense in 2011. The secondary was masked last year thanks to a good pass rush that made 31 sacks, but this year, they need to be the ones making plays.
Grade: C-
LSU
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Les Miles needs to find two new DTs and a Mike 'backer. One of the new DTs should be super-true freshman Anthony Johnson.
The DE spot should be solid, as just about everyone is back, along with Sam Montgomery, who missed time with injuries in 2010, but still has two sacks and six TFLs in only five games. Ryan Baker is another solid defender at LB for the Tigers. Sans all-universe CB Patrick Peterson, the secondary returns intact and will be led by Morris Clayborne and Tyrann Mathieu.
Grade: B+
Alabama
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Talk about a defense that is loaded. Alabama's defense is either on the level of or superior to Nebraska's defense. This unit has a chance to be special.
I'm not even sure where to begin, but Dre Kirkpatrick, Courtney Upshaw, Nico Johnson, Mark Barron, Dont'A Hightower and Jesse Williams have All-American and NFL talent. Damion Square and DeMarcus Milliner are also great defenders as well.
I need to see this unit make just a tad more big plays, as the stats of 27 sacks, 75 TFLs and nine FFs are good, but this unit is more talented than that.
Grade: A
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