The data I researched was adjusted for strength of opposition. You guys are were #1 defense primarily the strength of your run def. We're #4 overall, Ole Miss #5, LSU #8, Miss St #9 and Arky #20.I was going to debate that a bit, but I did my due diligence and research and found that you are really spot on. Aside from Arkansas (who you can throw out defensively), you guys are pretty close statistically to LSU, Ole Miss, and Miss St (though Miss St's defense was mainly predicated on stopping teams within the redzone). So, you are correct.
Some will try to debate that because from top to bottom the B1G may not be quite as good, that the numbers are skewed. I disagree, because the B1G is also known as an offensive league, and so typically it gives way to worse numbers.
Here is where you guys are not on the same level as the above defenses, Red Zone defense. Mississippi St (#1), Arkansas (#3), Ole Miss (#9) are all top 10 defenses int he redzone. LSU comes in at #33...you guys are #74. So if you guys can keep it between the 20's you'll be good, if not...it might be along night.
I offer no excuses for our red zone def efficiency other than mental mistakes from our youngters. We'll have 3 freshman defenders and several sophs on the field for most of the game.....they are great young players, recruited by both sides, but still learinng the game and their assignments. The xtra work will be very beneficial for us.
Your pass def seems to be more suspect than years past....is it a coverage issue, pressure issue, both?