How Good was the 2015 Playoff Defense (in comparison to previous years)?

[Professor Chaos]

So the general consensus on the Bison defense during the playoff run this year seemed to be that this was the most dominant defensive performance we've seen in the playoffs to date. Usually with things like this it seems what's fresh in our minds sticks out over what isn't as fresh so I was curious about whether the numbers really backed that up, especially considering how dominant the defenses on the 2011 and 2013 teams were in the playoffs. Here's what I found (highlighted cells indicated the best statistical year in each category):



Needless to say I'm pretty sure the general consensus was right on the money saying that this year's playoff defense had the best run of any D1 championship defense. Some of the numbers like total yards allowed and TOP blow away any other year. This really underscored for me just how incredible of a turnaround this group underwent during the course of the season. With what they've got coming back (coaching staff included) I'm incredibly excited to see what the Bison defense will do in 2016.

[EC8CH]

I like the way oppenent's top is trending.

[99Bison]

Top would be significantly impacted by our offensive strategy and execution.

An interesting stat not listed would be number of possessions the opposition had on offense.

[ZHerd]

Good chart and amazing performance by the defense; especially since it was basically out of the blue. One thing that is probably difficult to compare but interesting to consider is the strength of opponents. For example I think the 2012 GA Southern team may well have been the best team faced of the entire run. Redbirds were good, Wofford was good, 2011 SHSU was good (better defense than their other squads I think), and contrary to popular opinion I think Towson was a good team...tough game until basically right before half. This year UNI and their experienced defense

[EC8CH]

Kinda crazy 2014 fairs so poorly comparing stats considering how much experience that years team had on defense. Stats seems to confirm those veternan players were feeling the effects of playing all those games over their careers.

[natstar1]

Top would be significantly impacted by our offensive strategy and execution.

An interesting stat not listed would be number of possessions the opposition had on offense.

Also, "significantly impacted by our offensive strategy and execution."

edit: nice table OP

[FFBison]

Kinda crazy 2014 fairs so poorly comparing stats considering how much experience that years team had on defense. Stats seems to confirm those veternan players were feeling the effects of playing all those games over their careers.

May well also indicate how significant Travis Beck was to that defense.

[IBleedYellow]

May well also indicate how significant Travis Beck was to that defense.

First thing that came to my mind. Losing him last year hurt.

[NDSUSR]

Yeah but what about our band?

[westnodak93bison]

May well also indicate how significant Travis Beck was to that defense.

And how much MJ and Pierre improved this year. Amazing.

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