Top five SEC defenses through seven weeks | TNJN: Tennessee Journalist

While the SEC continues to be the deepest conference in football, it’s been highlighted by the defensive talent through the first seven weeks of the 2016 season. The top three units have been amongst the best defenses in the NCAA, while the rest of the conference has impressed as well. Especially when considering the pass rushers, the SEC possess several defensive linemen with NFL talent and are all very successful at rushing the quarterback. It’s not just the pass rushers, there are a number of defenders at each level in the conference whom NFL scouts have kept their eye on throughout the season. Seven SEC teams stand in the top 40 in both total and scoring defense. With offensive play lacking in the conference this year, teams have had to rely on their defenses and majority of them are talented enough to carry their respective teams to a victory.

Here are the top five defensive units of the SEC.

1) Alabama

Is this the best defense of the decade? They’re deep at all three levels and sit near the top of many defensive rankings. They sit in the top five of the NCAA in both total defense and scoring defense, giving up 265 yards per game (4^th) and 15 points (5^th). In addition, the Crimson Tide are first in the country in yards allowed per rushing attempt (2.1). While each level can beat you, the pass rush is the most disruptive, recording 27 sacks through their first seven games. To put that in perspective, that’s eight better than any other team in the country. The front four is highlighted by the trio of Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson. All three are highly touted prospects. Linebackers Rueben Foster is arguably the best and most complete linebacker in the nation.

The secondary is susceptible to the big play, but for the most part, is solid in coverage. Led by Marlon Humphrey, the defensive backs’ ability to lock down opposing receivers gives that lethal pass rush even more time to get to the quarterback. They have four defensive touchdowns as well, best in the SEC.

2) Florida

If it weren’t for the historically good play of the Alabama defense, this unit would receive more attention. Based on the numbers, the Gators have actually enjoyed a bit more success. They sit 2^nd in the country in both total and scoring defense, giving up 250 yards and 12 points per game. Granted, Tennessee was their only test and they gave up 38 points, but this is still an extremely talented group. Highlighted by its secondary, Florida has two of the best corners in the SEC in Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson. Tabor’s playmaking ability is what separates him from other corners, while Wilson has locked down receivers on a weekly basis. Safety Marcus Maye and linebacker Jarrad Davis are two other talented players to watch in the back seven.

The pass rush has also played a role as well, as they’ve recorded 19 sacks on the season. The front four is led by defensive tackle Caleb Brantley, who’s a force in both the run game and as a pass rusher.

3) LSU

Here’s another group loaded with talent, evident by their numbers. Giving up just 300 yards and 14 points per game, LSU sits in the top 10 in the NCAA for both categories. Teams struggle to run the ball against this unit, as they are allowing under three yards per carry. Not only has the front seven been stout against the run, their 18 sacks rank in the top five in the SEC. Teams have also averaged only 200 yards per game threw the air, so how exactly do you move the ball on this squad?

In the secondary, cornerback Tre’Davious White and safety Marcus Maye will both be playing in the NFL. On the defensive line, sophomore defensive end Arden Key has followed an all-SEC Freshman campaign with a huge year. He already has seven sacks (best in SEC) and although he didn’t record one Saturday against Southern Miss, he still recorded five pressures. The Tigers have a tough remainder of the schedule, but the defense is capable of carrying them to a successful stretch.

4) Auburn

Credit Gus Malzahn and Auburn for bouncing back after a rough couple of seasons. Most of that is due to a surprisingly elite defense. Like the previous three teams on the list, this is another loaded defensive unit. They lost to Clemson during the season opener, but the defense limited the high-powered Tigers’ offense to under 20 points. Not to mention they also held Texas A&M to ten points below their season average at Kyle Field.

On the season, the Tigers have allowed only 16 points per game (8^th in NCAA). Defensive end Carl Lawson is a stud and his six sacks are good for No. 2 in the SEC. His play against the run needs improvement, but this future pro is relentless at pressuring the quarterback and its been a joy to watch him finally enjoy a healthy season. In addition, the cornerback duo of Carlton Davis and Jonathan Ford have been fantastic thus far, which can explain why teams have averaged under 200 yards passing per game against Auburn. The Tigers face a struggling quarterback in Chad Kelly on Saturday and led by the three names mentioned, the Tigers should hold the advantage over the Rebels. With a strong pass rush and lockdown coverage, Auburn is a nightmare matchup for offenses.

5) Tennessee

If it weren’t for injuries, Tennessee would probably be higher on the list. Coming into the season, many expected this to be a top unit, but key injuries at key positions have exploited the team’s depth. The Vols were without numerous starters against Alabama, but even before then, it’s been bad for the defense. Over the past four games, they’ve allowed nearly 40 points per game. The Crimson Tide and Texas A&M were particularly hard to take advantage of.

Regardless, Derek Barnett continues to be a star, recording six sacks on the season and making countless impactful plays. Even with the injuries, Tennessee has been exceptional at creating turnovers, averaging over two takeaways per game. With a soft remaining schedule and the hopes of players returning from injury, the unit should return to form during the final stretch.

Just Missed: Texas A&M

If the Aggies knew how to tackle, this defense would probably have made the list. The pass rush is exceptional, evident by their 19 sacks this season. Defensive end Myles Garrett is the best defensive player in the country, no arguments. Even with a lingering ankle injury, he’s recorded over 30 pressures this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Opposite of him, Daeshon Hall has enjoyed a productive season as a pass rusher, totaling 25 pressures. Safeties Justin Evans and Armani Watts are big-time talents and the two have combined for five interceptions.

Back to the tackling issues: those watching the Tennessee-Texas A&M game surely noticed the Aggies inability to tackle either Alvin Kamara or Josh Dobbs. Missed tackles enabled the Vols to total nearly 700 yards. This is an ongoing issue for this defense and is a concern going forward. Good offenses with playmakers will exploit this, and this weakness is what keeps this good defense from being a great one.

Edited by David Bradford

Featured image by Donald Page, courtesy of Tennessee Athletics