Colorado coach Deion Sanders summed it up merely after watching his group surrender 587 yards of offense — together with 422 on the bottom — in a 53-7 loss to Utah Saturday evening.
“That is unhealthy,” Sanders mentioned after the worst defeat of his Buffaloes tenure. “That is in all probability the worst beating I’ve ever had besides when my momma whooped me as a child.”
Sanders is aware of the worth of a superb protection. And after one other weekend slate crammed with high-profile, one-score video games, so ought to each coach main a School Soccer Playoff contender as we attain the enterprise finish of a 2025 season wherein the hole between the nation’s prime applications is seemingly narrower than ever earlier than.
LSU and Oklahoma, which every entered Saturday among the many nation’s top-10 scoring defenses, bought uncovered in Week 9 losses to Texas A&M and Ole Miss. In Nashville, Tennessee, the dominant defensive traces of Missouri and Vanderbilt engaged in a slugfest within the Commodores’ 17-10 win, whereas Texas leaned on its protection to cost a 17-point comeback and an extra time victory at Mississippi State.
Elsewhere, CFP favorites Indiana, Miami, Oregon and Texas Tech every held their opponents to seven factors or fewer, sharing a mixed margin of victory of 161-20.
As we flip the web page on Week 9, this week’s energy rankings dive into how the nation’s prime applications can enhance on protection over the ultimate month of the common season, and for some, past. — Eli Lederman
Earlier rating: 1
The Buckeyes are No. 3 nationally in defensive EPA, so nitpicking methods they are often higher is not straightforward. Ohio State is tops within the nation in third-down protection (21.1%), crimson zone effectivity protection (16.7%) and fewest factors allowed (41 whole!). Nonetheless, as dominant because the Buckeyes have been underneath first-year defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, they may create extra turnovers. Ohio State is tied for 57th with solely 9 compelled turnovers, together with solely 4 interceptions (tied for 78th nationally). Within the coming weeks, nonetheless, the Buckeyes might rack them up. Ohio State’s subsequent three opponents — Penn State, Purdue, UCLA — have mixed to commit 33 turnovers already this season. — Jake Trotter
Earlier rating: 2
The Hoosiers, who rank second nationally in defensive EPA, have imposed their will on protection, particularly in Huge Ten play. No Huge Ten offense has scored greater than 13 factors in opposition to the Hoosiers (Oregon put up 20 with a pick-six, and Iowa scored 15 with a security). Indiana additionally leads the nation with 29 sacks and ranks third in fewest factors allowed per sport (10.9). So, the place can Indiana enhance? Effectively, the Hoosiers are permitting opponents to finish 61.5% of their passes, which is center of the street within the Huge Ten. However even that hasn’t actually damage the Hoosiers, who’re giving up simply 5.54 yards per passing try, the Tenth-best quantity within the nation. In different phrases, Indiana could be giving up completions — nevertheless it’s not going for a lot of yards anyway. — Trotter
Earlier rating: 3
The Aggies’ protection has proven a little bit of every thing in the course of the group’s 8-0 begin, and even throughout Saturday’s 45-24 win at LSU. Texas A&M struggled a bit within the first half, as LSU had landing drives of 74 and 75 yards, the latter extended by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The Aggies additionally confirmed their dominant facet within the second half, forcing 4 straight punts and permitting 24 internet yards on LSU’s first 5 possessions. The important thing for Texas A&M, particularly within the postseason, will probably be full performances — much less of what occurred at Notre Dame and Arkansas, and extra of what it confirmed in opposition to Auburn, Mississippi State and the second half at LSU. The Aggies might use extra interceptions after recording simply two within the first eight video games. Additionally they should search complementary move rushers alongside All-America candidate Cashius Howell, who added two extra sacks within the LSU win. — Adam Rittenberg
Earlier rating: 4
The Crimson Tide appear to be taking part in higher in opposition to the run in current weeks, and a few of that has been an effort to restrict explosive performs. Since permitting six explosive runs for 171 yards in a win over Georgia, Alabama has not allowed that many in a sport. Actually, for the reason that begin of the second quarter in opposition to Vanderbilt, Alabama has given up solely 4 explosive runs for 128 yards over 17 quarters. In a 29-22 comeback win over South Carolina on Saturday, Alabama gave up solely three explosive performs, and so they have been all within the passing sport, together with a 54-yard landing move. Definitely, limiting the variety of explosive touchdowns given up ought to be on the precedence checklist. In each sport wherein its opponent has scored this season, Alabama has allowed a scoring play of 20 or extra yards — 5 of them have been passing. — Andrea Adelson
Earlier rating: 5
This clearly is not Georgia coach Kirby Sensible’s greatest protection, so there are myriad methods the Bulldogs can enhance down the stretch to maintain their CFP hopes alive. The place to start? The Bulldogs are tied for 127th within the FBS in sacks (eight in seven video games), 133rd in tackles for loss (27), 113th in turnovers gained (two fumbles and 4 interceptions) and ninety fifth in opponents’ third-down conversions (41.7%). When it mattered most, Georgia could not get off the sphere on third down, which was a trademark of Sensible’s nice defenses of the previous. The Bulldogs haven’t got a dominant edge rusher; linebackers Chris Cole and CJ Allen lead the group with three sacks every. Georgia’s incapability to stress the quarterback has made it harder for the secondary, which is breaking in new beginning cornerback Ellis Robinson IV and security Kyron Jones (who’s damage). The Bulldogs must tighten issues up the remainder of the way in which. — Mark Schlabach
Earlier rating: 9
After giving up 17 fourth-quarter factors in final week’s loss at Georgia, Ole Miss pitched a shutout over the ultimate quarter-hour of its 34-26 win on the street in opposition to Oklahoma. Regardless of a near-complete makeover within the secondary, the Rebels started Week 9 ranked thirty ninth nationally in move protection — Ole Miss final completed prime 50 within the class in 2016 — and made life troublesome for Sooners quarterback John Mateer on Saturday afternoon. Much less stellar is a rush protection that is stopping the run much less successfully than each SEC group aside from bottom-of-the-league Arkansas. Lengthy runs, just like the 65-yard landing Oklahoma’s Xavier Robinson unleashed on the Rebels, have been a selected weak level. With Ole Miss doubtlessly playoff-bound, this system’s rush protection stays a core weak spot for coordinator Pete Golding and the Rebels to deal with between now and December. — Lederman
Earlier rating: 7
Georgia Tech has held three straight opponents to twenty factors or fewer, together with a dominant 41-16 win over Syracuse in Week 9. For the 12 months, the Yellow Jackets have one of many ACC’s greatest scoring defenses, however dig just a little deeper and there is some apparent room for enchancment. Six of Georgia Tech’s previous seven opponents have run for not less than 150 yards, together with 157 by the Orange, who had struggled badly operating the soccer in current weeks. A part of the problem is accounting — Georgia Tech’s restricted sack whole has bolstered opponent dashing averages. It isn’t an absence of stress, however Tech’s linemen want to complete the job. The opposite concern is extra simple, permitting 4.84 yards per rush on designed runs (twelfth in ACC) and greater than 2 yards earlier than contact per designed run (fifteenth in ACC) regardless of taking part in in opposition to a number of groups — Colorado, Clemson, Syracuse — which have in any other case struggled in opposition to the run this season. — David Hale
Earlier rating: 6
The Geese’ protection has allowed fewer than 15 factors in six of their eight video games this season. Their solely blemish got here of their lone lack of the season in opposition to Indiana in a 30-20 defeat. But, even in that sport, there wasn’t a lot the unit did egregiously flawed. A better look, nonetheless, reveals an attention-grabbing place the place the Geese could be struggling. All three of Indiana’s touchdowns in that sport got here contained in the crimson zone, and general, Oregon’s protection ranks 134th (tied for final) within the nation in opponent crimson zone scoring share and 132nd in opponent crimson zone landing share. However the Geese do not enable their opponent to get into the crimson zone usually — solely 13 instances this season (third fewest in CFB) — however when opponents do, the Geese have not finished a lot to cease them from scoring. It is one thing to control as they attempt to return to the School Soccer Playoff this season. — Paolo Uggetti
Earlier rating: 8
The protection has began slowly the previous two video games in opposition to Louisville and Stanford, and that, partly, is one motive the Hurricanes have seemed sluggish within the early a part of their previous two video games. Louisville jumped out to a 14-0 lead after its first two possessions, and that had Miami taking part in on its heels at instances in a 24-21 loss. It was the primary time this season Miami had trailed. Then, this previous weekend, Stanford drove 74 yards on 12 performs and scored a landing on the opening drive to take a fast lead earlier than the protection stymied the Cardinal the remainder of the way in which in a 42-7 win. It is very important word, nonetheless, that the protection has massively improved over a 12 months in the past and is a giant motive Miami is 6-1. — Adelson
Earlier rating: 10
After BYU fell behind 24-10 late within the second quarter in opposition to Iowa State, the Cougars’ undefeated season was on the brink. However as they’ve finished a number of instances over the previous two seasons, the Cougars calmly responded — this time by outscoring the Cyclones 31-3 the remainder of the way in which to win comfortably in Ames. BYU has been outgained the previous two weeks, a worrying development headed into Saturday’s journey to Texas Tech, a matchup that will probably be one of many largest video games in faculty soccer this week. — Kyle Bonagura
Earlier rating: 12
Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia will get a variety of the love nationally, however Vanderbilt’s stingy protection deserves a number of the credit score for this system’s outstanding turnaround, as nicely. The Commodores rank twenty fourth within the FBS in scoring protection (18.8 factors), 18th in run protection (101.9 yards) and thirty first in whole protection (322.6 yards). The unit is producing sacks (21) and turnovers (11). So, after eight video games, there aren’t a variety of apparent areas wherein the Commodores want to enhance. However they may get higher within the crimson zone, the place opponents have scored 82.6% of the time. Vanderbilt’s protection allowed touchdowns in 13 of the 23 journeys inside its 20-yard line. Alabama went 5-for-5 within the crimson zone in a 30-14 win Oct. 4, when it handed Vanderbilt its solely lack of the season. The Commodores have been good on protection, however they may bow their necks just a little extra close to the aim line. — Schlabach
Earlier rating: 11
The Pink Raiders’ protection is not too shabby, rating fourth in scoring protection, fourth in yards per play and ninth in yards per sport. The Pink Raiders have misplaced just one sport, and gave up simply 26 factors to Arizona State within the loss, however they allowed a last-minute drive to Sam Leavitt. They bounced again in opposition to a woeful Oklahoma State group this weekend, the primary time since 2000 that Texas Tech scored greater than 40 factors and pitched a shutout, and solely the second time for the reason that Huge 12 was fashioned. The Pink Raiders will probably be examined the following two weeks in opposition to Kansas State in Manhattan after which in opposition to BYU in Lubbock. At present, based on ESPN Analytics, Tech has a 60% likelihood to enter bowl season with two or fewer losses. This stretch, earlier than maybe a spot within the Huge 12 title sport, will probably be its largest hurdle. — Dave Wilson
Earlier rating: 14
It appears nearly quaint to recollect the apoplexy that adopted Notre Dame’s 0-2 begin and the abysmal move protection that helped create it. Two weeks into the season — in opposition to two groups which are a mixed 14-1, by the way in which — Notre Dame was permitting practically 8 yards per dropback. Since then, the Irish have figured issues out — and gotten Leonard Moore wholesome — and the protection has turned it round. In its previous 5 video games, Notre Dame is surrendering simply 5.8 yards per dropback and has picked off a best-in-FBS 12 passes in that span. The Irish have been off in Week 9, however the remaining schedule (Boston School, Navy, Pitt, Syracuse, Stanford) does not look prone to problem that move protection a lot both. — Hale
Earlier rating: 16
Virginia’s protection struggled to defend the center of the sphere within the first half of Saturday’s 17-16 win over North Carolina, however in a credit score to the teaching workers, the halftime changes have been practically flawless. UNC threw for simply 35 yards on 11 makes an attempt within the second half, giving the Hoos an opportunity to flee in extra time. The secondary has not been a energy for Virginia this 12 months, however defensive coordinator John Rudzinski’s capability to scheme round some weaknesses has given the Cavaliers a shot in each sport, and the offense has — usually barely — made sufficient performs to come back away with the win all however as soon as. The problem will get a bit larger subsequent week in opposition to proficient freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Cal, and even larger nonetheless in three weeks in opposition to Darian Mensah and Duke. Virginia’s playoff hopes are alive, however the margin for error is skinny, and that places further stress on Rudzinski & Co. to proceed to seek out solutions on the again finish. — Hale
Earlier rating: 18
Any enchancment can be welcome for Tennessee’s protection. The Volunteers got here into Saturday’s sport at Kentucky having allowed not less than 24 factors in opposition to each FBS opponent so far (plus 17 in opposition to ETSU), and so they allowed 34 factors and 476 yards to a shaky UK assault. The offense scored 56, because of Joey Aguilar’s 396 yards and three touchdowns, and Tennessee moved to 6-2 general. However protection is an apparent Achilles heel. Kentucky’s Cutter Boley threw for 330 yards and 5 touchdowns, and the Vols’ move rush, a energy so far, managed only one sack. If there was a vibrant spot, nonetheless — apart from the win — it is that an inefficient run protection stepped up, permitting simply 3.7 yards per carry to Kentucky operating backs. And hey, it is all the time higher to speak about what wants enchancment after a win. — Invoice Connelly
Earlier rating: 20
There’s so much to love about this Cardinals protection and the enhancements it has made by way of seven video games. The unit is a top-25 protection in a ton of classes and ranks second within the ACC with 16 takeaways after nabbing three extra in a 38-24 win over Boston School on Saturday. Final 12 months, the protection completed with 17 by way of 13 video games. Louisville has allowed just one rush of 20-plus yards this season and is getting stops on 67% of third downs. The Cardinals’ protection bought caught on the sphere for a lot of the first half in opposition to Boston School and needed to defend 82 performs, however 5 three-and-out drives and three fourth-down stops helped seal the win. — Max Olson
Earlier rating: 19
As nice as Brendan Sorsby and the Bearcats’ offense have been over their seven-game win streak, defensive coordinator Tyson Veidt deserves some credit score for the way his unit is stepping up in Huge 12 play. Cincinnati held Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson to simply 137 passing yards, his fewest as a starter in opposition to a Huge 12 protection, in a 41-20 rout Saturday. The Bearcats have made good progress on protection over the previous month since profitable a 37-34 shootout at Kansas and are discovering methods to get well timed stops. Cincinnati’s protection nonetheless ranks final within the Huge 12 in interceptions (one) and tackles for loss (17) in convention play. As this squad will get into extra high-stakes ballgames the remainder of the way in which, it’s going to want larger performs in huge moments. — Olson
Earlier rating: 15
It is laborious to critique Mizzou’s protection, contemplating the Tigers gave up 17 factors and 265 yards to Vanderbilt, which got here in averaging 41.4 factors and 457.7 yards per sport. Regardless of dropping beginning quarterback Beau Pribula to an ankle harm, and blowing a few prime scoring alternatives within the third quarter, the Tigers got here inside inches of forcing extra time, falling 17-10 after a accomplished Hail Mary got here up brief. The protection was the first motive this went all the way down to the wire. If we’re nitpicking, although, huge performs have been an occasional concern, and Makhilyn Younger’s 80-yard landing for Vandy within the third quarter was a pivotal play in such a decent sport. Nonetheless, the Commodores averaged solely 4.2 yards per play, in any other case. Mizzou’s protection did its job. And if Pribula is out long run, the Tigers must lean on mentioned protection all of the extra. — Connelly
Earlier rating: 13
For the primary time this fall, Brent Venables’ protection seemed susceptible in the course of the first half of the Sooners’ 34-26 defeat to Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss. Nonetheless, there’s solely so many critiques to be manufactured from a unit that entered Week 9 tied for first in sacks nationally whereas main the SEC in move protection, run protection and factors allowed. Oklahoma rebounded mightily after halftime Saturday, and upcoming journeys to Tennessee and Alabama current its protection with high-visibility possibilities to get again on monitor. One downside the Sooners want to repair: missed tackles. Oklahoma averaged 16 of them throughout its preliminary three SEC video games and entered Saturday ranked 84th nationally within the class (thirteenth within the SEC). Missed tackles aren’t an ideal metric for measuring a protection — aggressive items like Venables’ are certain to provide extra missed tackles — however among the many nation’s top-10 scoring protection leaders, Oklahoma is certainly one of solely three that rank decrease than thirtieth within the state. — Lederman
Earlier rating: 25
The Midshipmen’s protection is about to face a gauntlet with North Texas, Notre Dame, South Florida and Memphis up subsequent. Navy is occurring the street for 3 of those subsequent 4, too. Can this unit get sufficient stops to outlive this difficult stretch? The Midshipmen’s protection bought the job finished when it mattered most within the fourth quarter of shut wins over Air Power and Temple. Navy was firmly in management in opposition to FAU on Saturday, main 42-19 with three minutes left, earlier than giving up a late scoring run in a 42-32 win. Now, the Midshipmen’s No. 117-ranked move protection should discover solutions for slowing down North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker after he simply threw for 608 yards vs. Charlotte. — Olson
Earlier rating: 24
In its two largest video games — and solely two losses — the Wolverines struggled to sort out. On Sept. 6 at Oklahoma, Michigan had 15 missed tackles. Within the Oct. 11 defeat at USC, the Wolverines missed 12 tackles. At 6-2 and 4-1 within the Huge Ten, Michigan stays on the fringes of the convention championship and playoff conversations. However the Wolverines should sort out higher down the stretch, particularly once they face high-powered Ohio State on the Huge Home within the regular-season finale. — Trotter
Earlier rating: 21
The Longhorns have not made it straightforward on themselves over the previous month. On Saturday, they picked a heck of a time for his or her worst defensive exhibiting of the season in Starkville, giving up 38 factors to a Mississippi State group that had misplaced 16 straight SEC video games earlier than overcoming a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit and pulling out a win in extra time. This time, the offense — and Oklahoma hero Ryan Niblett, as soon as once more — saved the day. Arch Manning had his greatest sport of the season with 346 yards and three TDs earlier than leaving due to a potential concussion in extra time. Texas has three top-10 groups remaining on the schedule — Vanderbilt in Austin this weekend, adopted by Georgia in Athens on Nov. 15, then closes with a harmful Arkansas group and a surging Texas A&M group that appears to be getting stronger by the week. The Horns might want to hit their stride right here quickly or the ultimate stretch might get robust. — Wilson
Earlier rating: NR
Willie Fritz, the last word builder, has finished a masterful job at Houston in 12 months 2, getting the Cougars to 7-1 and beating Arizona State for his or her first street win versus an AP-ranked opponent since 2017. A lot of that has to do with their offense, led by Texas A&M switch Conner Weigman, who had 201 passing yards, 111 dashing yards and a couple of TDs. However the Cougars have additionally been nice at complementary soccer. Their defensive numbers aren’t stellar throughout the board, rating forty fifth in yards per sport (357.4) however what’s most necessary is that they are permitting simply 21.3 factors per sport, twenty eighth nationally. This weekend’s upset at ASU, the Solar Devils’ first residence loss in two years, was an incredible instance: The Cougars allowed 426 yards of offense, however zero factors by way of three quarters. — Wilson
Earlier rating: NR
What a approach to earn your home again into the rankings. The Utes, taking part in with backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin, stitched collectively one of the vital dominant performances of the season, beating Colorado 53-7. The ultimate rating doesn’t do the blowout justice; Utah was up 43-0 at halftime, having gained 398 yards on offense and held the Buffs to minus-18 whole yards. The second half was not as ugly, however the closing outcome was indicative of what the Utes’ protection is able to — holding Colorado to solely 38 dashing yards and 102 passing yards whereas forcing two turnovers. It was whole domination. — Uggetti
Earlier rating: 22
The bye week was welcome for the Trojans’ protection, which is coming off its worst efficiency of the season in opposition to Notre Dame, permitting 306 dashing yards. It is by no means a superb signal when your offense is ranked No. 1 within the nation, per SP+ and in common yards per sport, and there may be nonetheless disappointment relating to the season. Sloppiness in opposition to Illinois value them that sport, whereas the protection, which had already been struggling and ranks fiftieth in SP+, bought uncovered in opposition to the Irish. USC will proceed to be examined — Nebraska, Iowa and Oregon nonetheless await — because it makes an attempt to salvage this season and offers itself a shot at making the 12-team playoff discipline. — Uggetti