Power Ranking the Top Defenses in College Football Heading into Week 7
We’re heading into week seven of the college football, which means we are finding out more and more which teams are legit and which teams are not.
Even though the college football game has evolved to feature many spread offenses, throwing the ball all over the field and racking up points, defense is still being played at a high level by quite a bit of programs.
There are the coaches at schools like Baylor and Oregon who are stressing more offense these days, but the old school coaches who believe that defenses win championships are alive and well throughout the college football world.
The entire SEC conference, which has won the last seven national championships, has featured a team that is very defensive oriented in almost each of those national championship teams.
This season, when you look at the top defenses nationally, there are the traditional powers that are on the list there every season as well as some new teams sprinkled in there. Some teams have played better teams than others, but defense is defense and these teams are playing at a high level.
Out of all the college football teams in the land, there are only 12 remaining that are still giving up under 300 yards per game on the year, which is something very difficult to do.
Here is a list of the top-10 defenses nationally ranked by amount of total yards given up per game on the season. There are a couple of great defense who are just outside the top 10, but the teams in the top 10 are great themselves.
Erik Sargent is a college football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Erik_Sargent, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
10. Washington Huskies
The Huskies are only giving up 287.8 yards per game on the year, a big improvement for a Washington defense. They’ll get a good shot from Oregon this weekend.
9. Oklahoma Sooners
While Oklahoma is traditionally known for offense, their defense has been great this season. They have one shutout and haven’t given up more than 21 points.
8. Marshall Thundering Herd
Marshall is one of the surprise teams on this list. They are only giving up 278.8 yards per game on the year and have one shutout.
7. Florida State Seminoles
Jimbo Fisher has put a heavy emphasis on defense in recruiting and it’s paying off. The Seminole defense is nasty and is loaded with NFL draft prospects.
6. Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin started off the season with back to back shutouts and played well against Ohio State. Senior leadership from guys like Chris Borland has this unit playing great ball.
5. Virginia Tech Hokies
No surprise here, but a Bud Foster defense is on the top-10 nationally. They held their own against Alabama, which shows they can play with anyone.
4. Cincinnati Bearcats
Another team generally known for its offense, the Bearcats are only giving up 251 yards per game on the year.
3. Louisville Cardinals
Louisville hasn’t had the toughest of schedule and Teddy Bridgewater gets all of the attention, but this Cardinals defense is playing great football in 2013.
2. Florida Gators
Another team loaded with NFL draft prospects, the Gators are only giving up 217 yards per game. With the bad play of their offense, the defense has kept their season alive.
1. Michigan State Spartans
Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi has seen his hard work finally pay off this season as the Spartans have the top defense in football right now. They are only giving up 203.8 yards a game and have only allowed 256 rushing yards total.
