Now you are just playing with the numbers.
Oregon being #9 as you say is based on SR CFB ranking, or some similar stat, not the NCAA stats obviously because they are #22 in that ranking for total defense.
Using SR CFB, the 2016 Iowa defense was #13, not number 19 as you indicate.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb...m-defense.html
Boom!
Personally, I'm not too hung up on rankings and ratings. Oregon's defense will almost certainly be better than the Iowa defense from 2016. NDSU's offense should also be significantly better than 2016. Should be an interesting match up. One I'm eager to see play out!
So if Duckys want to play this game about KSU, Iowa, whoever else playing into our defense. What about the Pac 12 offenses. How many of them run a similar multiple offense that emphasizes power run, and are as physical as our offensive line? You really think Oregon St and Cal are as physical as us or will be? Doubtful.
Virtually the same defense that gave up 31 to UW, 35 to WSU, and 31 to ASU. All similar talent to us. Lets not pretend we are going against a Clemson or LSU defense.
I keep seeing Oregon's 2019 defense being called 22nd, so decided to look it up.
It turns out the 22nd ranking comes from total yards allowed. Not exactly the most useful stat for comparing defenses, especially considering how many times Oregon boat raced opponents and put in the back-ups. It also doesn't allow for yards per play - Oregon had to defend 973 plays which is more than any team ranked above them in YPG, and only two of those even faced more than 900 plays.
Here are some defensive stats that are more relevant:
Yards/Play: 4.73. Rank: 11th.
Offensive TDs allowed: 23 TDs. Rank: 4th.
Opponent RZ rush TD: 5. Rank: 2nd.
Opponent RZ pass TD: 9. Rank: 20th.
Interceptions: 20. Rank: 2nd.
YDS/Rush: 3.27. Rank: 13th.
Defensive pass efficiency: 14th.
Not purely a defensive stat, but turnover margin: +16. Rank: 5th.
Teams held to 7 points or fewer: 6, including 5 without allowing a TD. In comparison NDSU had 5 games allowing 7 or fewer, and 3 not allowing a TD. In two more games, and you can decide who had the tougher schedule.
Now, I'm not saying that Oregon's 2020 defense will be as good or better than 2019. But we're very optimistic when we bring back 9/11 starters and something like 18/22 out of the two deep. Feel free to make snide remarks about how y'all should try to kneel it out, and so forth. I just wanted to explain why Oregon fans, and the national media, are so excited for this defense.