The Unstoppable Force: Texas’ Defense Reigns Supreme
As the college football season reaches its midpoint, one team stands out from the rest: the Texas Longhorns. With a defense that’s been nearly impenetrable, they’ve earned the top spot in the stop rate standings, a crucial metric that measures a team’s ability to prevent points and get off the field.
What is Stop Rate?
Stop rate is a simple yet telling statistic that reflects a defense’s effectiveness on a per-drive basis. It’s the percentage of drives that end in punts, turnovers, or a turnover on downs. In today’s fast-paced game, stop rate is a key indicator of a team’s defensive prowess.
Texas Takes the Lead
The Longhorns have been unstoppable, boasting a staggering stop rate of 87.1%. In six games, they’ve allowed a mere 38 points over 75 drives, with two of those touchdowns coming in garbage time. Their defense has been suffocating, surrendering the fewest explosive plays (nine plays of 20+ yards) and boasting a 7-to-1 interception-to-touchdown ratio against the pass.
Army’s Surprising Rise
But Texas isn’t the only team making waves. Army, currently undefeated at 6-0, has risen to the second spot in the stop rate standings. Despite ranking 54th in SP+ and 47th in defensive efficiency, the Black Knights’ defense has been stingy, allowing only 9.8 points per game. Their secret? Dominating time of possession and limiting opponents’ chances.
The Rest of the Field
As we head into Week 8, the stop rate standings reveal some surprising trends. Ohio State, once atop the rankings, has dropped to fourth after struggling against Oregon. Tennessee, meanwhile, has climbed to third with a stop rate of 82%. Georgia, preparing to face Texas, finds itself at No. 60, just above the national average.
The Full Stop Rate Standings
Here’s a look at the complete FBS-only stop rate standings entering Week 8:
[Rk. Team – Stop Rate – Pts/Drive]
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The battle for defensive supremacy is far from over. As the season unfolds, teams will continue to adapt and evolve. One thing is certain, though: Texas’ defense has set the bar high, and the rest of the country is chasing.
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