While you can’t win a ballgame without putting points on the board, the cliché statement “Defenses win championships” is practically a divine mandate in the world of college football betting. Some offensive-minded fans might argue that a quick look back at last year’s national championship will prove otherwise. Sure, last year’s title game was an offensive shootout that gave us one of the best endings to the season we’ve had in a while. But there’s no denying that if either team’s defense had stepped up to the plate the game would’ve had a much different tone. There’s no arguing the fact that offensive shootouts are much more entertaining than a game dominated by defense. Just look at last year’s Super Bowl, probably one of the least entertaining in recent years due to the game being dominated by defense. But NCAA betting isn’t about being entertained, it’s about making the correct predictions, and when that’s your game then defense should be at the forefront of your mind. So, which schools around the nation have by far the best defense?
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide
Nick Saban reigns supreme atop college football and this can be attributed to both his impressive resume and the fallout of Joe Paterno’s legacy. Sure, Deshaun Watson carved up the Tide in the championship game, but the fact remains that this team has the best defense in the nation right, as well as the best ranking. If there’s one thing Saban knows how to do is recruiting, and if there’s one thing he’s better at recruiting than its development. The Crimson Tide’s defense is consistently feared across the nation for these two reasons. This Alabama defense is solid throughout; they have a duo of excellent pass-rushers in Jonathan Allen and Tim Williams, a great secondary in Minkah Fitzpatrick and Marlon Humphrey, as well as a brick wall at the linebacker position in Reuben Foster. Alabama may have lost Kirby Smart, but there is no one in the world of college football betting who is doubting this defense.
#2 Michigan Wolverines
The Wolverines are the second school on this list coming in with a new defensive coordinator. DJ Durkin has set sail for Maryland and in his place the Wolverines have brought in Don Brown, Boston College’s former defensive coordinator. At Boston Brown was able to lead their defense to an impressive 15.3 points allotted per game. Many are expecting the Wolverines to put up even better numbers considering the talent Brown will be working with. Brown will have Chris Wormley, Ryan Glasgow, and Taco Charlton to solidify his defensive line, as well as an All-American in Jourdan Lewis to tighten up the secondary. Throw in Jabrill Peppers and 2016’s top recruit Rashan Gary and it’s easy to see why Michigan are one of college football betting’s favorites to win the Big Ten.
#3 Florida Gators
Jim McElwain – and his coaching staff – will be heading into their second season at Florida. After leading the Gators to a top 10 ranking in yards per play allowed, many fans are expecting them to find even more success this season. They may have lost considerable talent in Vernon Hargreaves, Jonathan Bullard, and Keanu Neal but they have ample starters returning to help them carry the weight. This includes the talented cornerback Jalen Tabor as well as All-SEC safety Marcus Maye. The secondary will be intact thanks to those two and with Jarrad Davis returning at linebacker, as well as Caleb Brantley and CeCe Jefferson on the line, their box should have no problem even against the most dominant offenses.
