Top Five Defenses in 2010

TCU.  The Horned Frogs had the top ranked defense last season giving up just 240 yards and 12.8 points per game.  With seven starters back should hold on to the title once again.  TCU did lose All-American defensive end Jerry Hughes, but the rest of the core group returns.  Despite playing in the MWC, this is an elite defense that could compete in any conference.  TCU is poised to make another run at the BCS title game.

 

Ohio State.  Nicknamed the Silver Bullets, the Buckeyes’ defense is almost always in the top ten.  2010 will not be an exception.  Co-DC’s Jim Heacock and Luke Fickell are sitting in a rare situation – strong returning talent and depth at every position.  With Cameron Heyward, Ross Homan and Chimdi Chekwa leading the way, the Buckeyes are primed to make it to a fourth BCS title game.  If they can stay healthy, this unit might finish #1.

 

North Carolina.  No one is surprised that the Tar Heels have a fantastic defense.  HC Butch Davis produced some of the best defenses ever while coaching Miami in the 1990’s.  Davis has quickly assembled the same type of defense in Chapel Hill.  The defensive line alone is incredible.  Marvin Austin and Robert Quinn are both top ten NFL talents.  Coupled with FS Deunta Williams and LB Quan Sturdivant, NC’s defense will be tough to penetrate.  If the Heels can find an offense, they might just make a run at the title.

 

Auburn.  It seems like some team in the SEC always ends up in the top five, and this year that team appears to be Auburn.  HC Gene Chizik is a defensive mastermind, and his top lieutenant Ted Roof is a wizard.  With eight returning starters, they will produce the stout defense necessary to make a run through the SEC West.  Josh Bynes, Mike Blanc and Craig Stevens will be household names before the end of the year. 

 

Nebraska.  HC Bo Pelini has quickly turned around the Nebraska program, and despite losing Ndamukong Suh to the NFL, the 2010 Cornhuskers’ defense will be great.  They might even be good enough to officially bring back the Black Shirts.  Jared Crick and Prince Amukamura are All-American candidates, and LB Will Compton was a beast as a freshman last year.  The Cornhuskers are a favorite to win the Big 12 which means they will be in the hunt for the BCS Title game too.