The best defensive line isn't in the SEC - ESPN

Oct 10, 2017, 5:02 PM

The best defensive line isn't in the SEC

Link: http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/20969921/washington-state-cougars-year-running-back-biggest-surprises-2017

Sorry, SEC. Your claim to fame has always been speed and trench warfare, but right now, it's Clemson that has the nation's best defensive front.

(Braces ears for thunderous "A-C-C!" chants)

Left to right, Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant and Christian Wilkins headline Clemson's fearsome defensive front. Mike Comer/Getty Images
Clemson's line has accounted for a Power 5-best 65.9 percent of the Tigers' sacks (14.5 of 22). Defensive end Austin Bryant is tied for second in the ACC with five sacks and 10.5 TFLs, but this entire line gives opposing offenses a migraine.

Clemson is tied for first nationally with 16 sacks when the Tigers don't blitz, 10.5 of which have come from defensive linemen, which is best in Power 5, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Four of the Tigers' sacks when they do blitz have come from linemen.

Quarterbacks have a QBR of 18 when Clemson doesn't blitz. When under duress without a Clemson blitz, quarterbacks have completed 7 of 32 passes for 79 yards. Teams are also rushing for zero or negative yards 29 percent of the time against Clemson.

You would think Alabama would maintain the SEC's reputation as having the nation's best defensive line. The numbers aren't that much different, but Clemson has the statistical edge.

Eight of Alabama's 14 sacks have come from defensive linemen, led by Raekwon Davis with three, which is ranked 13th in Power 5. Seven of them have come when Alabama doesn't blitz (10th in Power 5). When under duress without a blitz, Alabama's opponents have completed 13 of 35 passes for 178 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

The Tide are better at stopping the run (2.57 yards per carry vs. 2.82 yards per carry for Clemson), but when you add the way Clemson's defensive line has fared against the pass, the Tigers top the Tide once again.

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The best defensive line isn't in the SEC - ESPN

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Re: The best defensive line isn't in the SEC - ESPN

Shhh ... Don't tell them about Dexter Lawrence***

Re: The best defensive line isn't in the SEC - ESPN

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