Clemson Football: Does Michigan have the best defense in the country?

We’ve heard all season how the Michigan defense is the best in the country. Here’s how Clemson football compares to the Wolverines.

I have a lot of respect for Michigan’s defense.

I think the Wolverines have a very talented front-seven and a physical secondary. They do a good job of containing runners and getting to the ball. That’s why the Wolverines are ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense.

We’ve heard all season how good the Michigan defense is, but I’m just not convinced that any defense is as good as Clemson football’s.

Look, we all know what kind of football is played in the Big Ten. It’s football that helps defenses up their stats. It’s kind of like how Big 12 offenses always score a lot of points. It’s a style of football.

But, when those defenses from the Big Ten play teams outside of their conference, they don’t play near as well.

When those offense from the Big 12 play a solid defense, they all of a sudden don’t put up 50 points, at least in many cases.

Comparing Defenses…

I’m not discrediting Michigan’s defense. As I said earlier, I think they’re very good. But, when I look at the two defenses and watch them play on the field, it’s clear to me that the Tigers have better personnel and more depth.

You can look at basic statistics like total defense or yards per game and determine that Michigan has been the better defense, but I think there’s a better stat system to follow to really compare defenses.

It takes into account success rate, IsoPPP, redzone success, field position advantages, opponent adjustments and garbage time adjustments. That rating system is the S&P+. You can read more about S&P+ and view the full ratings here.

When looking at the adjusted ratings, Clemson comes out as the No. 1 defense in the nation. The Tigers are ranked inside the top-10 for every single category and ranked No. 1 in rush defense, standard downs and success rate.

Michigan is rated second, but there is a significant drop-off between the Wolverines and the Tigers. Michigan is only rated No. 1 in passing defense and passing downs, according to the S&P.

A lot of that is skewed by the fact that the Wolverines don’t play many teams that are capable of throwing the ball.

In the end, though, you can take whatever statistic you want to prove your point. The S&P+ isn’t always the best ratings system to go by, either.

What I do know is that I’ve seen both defenses play and I see more talent and more depth on the Clemson football sideline. I’d love to see the Tigers and Wolverines matchup on the field just to see how the two fared against each other. Both defenses have been dominant all season and it would be fun to see them square off against one another for a chance at a potential National Championship.