That's easy to answer, right? Look at the stats. Teams are rated on defense by points allowed, total yards, rush yards, and pass yards given up. And by takeaways of course. Just look at Wisconsin and Iowa if you want examples of great defense, correct?
But why do Big Ten teams often show up in the top echelon of these stats while other conferences are not often notable? Most observers of Big 12 and PAC teams say they those conferences are notable for poor defense. That's the first reaction when you see 80 or 90 combined points in a game. Even SEC games often have quite high scores.
Could it be because it's easier to defense and stop the run than the pass? I think so.
Since neither Wisconsin nor Iowa played Ohio State (yet) do we really know either or both have great defenses? Can either slow down the OSU attack that relies heavily on passing? If Wisconsin's performance against OSU in recent Indy games is any indication, the answer is no.
The Badgers gave up 28 to Nebraska, 38 to Michigan, and 41 to Notre Dame, all with good passing quarterbacks. By contrast they held Iowa and Northwestern to 7, both run heavy teams.
It's very difficult for a team to run for 300 yards. Yes, we did it twice with our great O line and excellent backs. Our superior size and strength allowed us to run for 500 yards against our two MAC opponents, right? No, well we should have looking at the games on paper beforehand.
But a good run defense can hold a running offense in check most of the time. The pass game is infinitely more difficult to defend which is why the national powers year after year rely on a balance of pass and run and get the majority of their yardage through the air. Minnesota/Fleck/Ciarocca 2019 is a good case in point.
But why do Big Ten teams often show up in the top echelon of these stats while other conferences are not often notable? Most observers of Big 12 and PAC teams say they those conferences are notable for poor defense. That's the first reaction when you see 80 or 90 combined points in a game. Even SEC games often have quite high scores.
Could it be because it's easier to defense and stop the run than the pass? I think so.
Since neither Wisconsin nor Iowa played Ohio State (yet) do we really know either or both have great defenses? Can either slow down the OSU attack that relies heavily on passing? If Wisconsin's performance against OSU in recent Indy games is any indication, the answer is no.
The Badgers gave up 28 to Nebraska, 38 to Michigan, and 41 to Notre Dame, all with good passing quarterbacks. By contrast they held Iowa and Northwestern to 7, both run heavy teams.
It's very difficult for a team to run for 300 yards. Yes, we did it twice with our great O line and excellent backs. Our superior size and strength allowed us to run for 500 yards against our two MAC opponents, right? No, well we should have looking at the games on paper beforehand.
But a good run defense can hold a running offense in check most of the time. The pass game is infinitely more difficult to defend which is why the national powers year after year rely on a balance of pass and run and get the majority of their yardage through the air. Minnesota/Fleck/Ciarocca 2019 is a good case in point.
