I really don't think looking at recruiting rankings has much to do with who is on the field right now. Again, we have recruited defensive talent from TX, GA, FL, and SC. We have probably the best LB/DE combo coming in next year in Anzalone and Jaylon Smith. Our defense will be good for years to come (if Aaron Lynch had stayed, we might be on another level, but we put senior leadership in there and have done fine). You guys definitely get the best talent in the country, but idk if that is the best indicator.
Again, I'm not willing to go as far as OP and say our D is better than Bama 2011 D.
But as stated, we let you get the chunk yards in between, then shut down in our territory. We also NEVER give up the big play. 'Bama has given up 13/50 throws longer than 20 yards. We haven given up 6/41, with only one TD. We have also been better against ranked opponents. You average roughly 235 y/p/g against ranked opponents. We average 203.5 against ranked opponents. This is primarily b/c against better QB's we give up the dink and dunk and we tackle very efficiently (held Lee & Wood to their lowest yards after the catch of their entire careers).
We have one of the best red zone offenses in recent history. We have allowed a TD on roughly 25% of opponents red zone trips, the lowest percentage of ANY team in the past 8 FBS seasons. And we have allowed only 2 rushing touchdowns the entire year, the first coming against Belldozer in the 8th game of the season.
The biggest question, if we play you, is whether we can do work on your D. You are the best D we would face. It's all about whether a ND team can hang with the SEC. I think we can hang, I do not think we can dominate.
Again, I'm not willing to go as far as OP and say our D is better than Bama 2011 D.
But as stated, we let you get the chunk yards in between, then shut down in our territory. We also NEVER give up the big play. 'Bama has given up 13/50 throws longer than 20 yards. We haven given up 6/41, with only one TD. We have also been better against ranked opponents. You average roughly 235 y/p/g against ranked opponents. We average 203.5 against ranked opponents. This is primarily b/c against better QB's we give up the dink and dunk and we tackle very efficiently (held Lee & Wood to their lowest yards after the catch of their entire careers).
We have one of the best red zone offenses in recent history. We have allowed a TD on roughly 25% of opponents red zone trips, the lowest percentage of ANY team in the past 8 FBS seasons. And we have allowed only 2 rushing touchdowns the entire year, the first coming against Belldozer in the 8th game of the season.
The biggest question, if we play you, is whether we can do work on your D. You are the best D we would face. It's all about whether a ND team can hang with the SEC. I think we can hang, I do not think we can dominate.