We find ourselves in a unique position this week as Notre Dame's defense emerges as the new national leader in stop rate. Despite losing some of its top talent, this defense has been nothing short of extraordinary. But what exactly is stop rate? It serves as a basic measurement of success, representing the percentage of a defense's drives that end in punts, turnovers, or a turnover on downs. Defensive coordinators across the board share the same goal - to prevent points and get off the field. While it may not be an advanced stat like Bill Connelly's SP+ or other comprehensive metrics, stop rate offers a simple yet effective way to evaluate a defense's effectiveness on a per-drive basis in today's faster-tempo game.Notre Dame's Impressive Stop Rate
This season, Notre Dame has taken the top spot with a stop rate of 81.7% against FBS opponents. In their 9-1 start, they have faced only one team, Louisville, that has scored more than 20 points. Their performance on takeaways is exceptional, tying for first in FBS with 25. Their pass defense is elite, ranking second nationally in yards per attempt (5.3) and first in completion percentage (47.7%). Despite losing All-America cornerback Benjamin Morrison to a season-ending hip injury and missing pass rushers Jordan Botelho and Boubacar Traore, and with defensive tackle Howard Cross III sitting out their 35-14 win over Virginia due to an ankle injury and being questionable this week, their dominance remains remarkable. 1: The fact that Notre Dame has been able to perform at such a high level without these key players shows the depth and talent within their defense. Their ability to adapt and continue to make stops is a testament to their coaching and the players' dedication. It's not just about individual stars; it's about the collective effort and chemistry on the field. 2: This stop rate success is crucial as they look to make a deep run in the 12-team College Football Playoff. They have shown that they have the competitive depth needed to compete at the highest level. Now, they face the challenges of playing against No. 24 Army and USC. Army will present unique challenges with their ability to limit possessions by controlling the clock, but Notre Dame has shown that they can hold opponents under 150 rushing yards in eight of their 10 games.Other Top Stop Rate Teams
Army ranks No. 3 in this week's stop rate standings with a rate of 80.6%. When you filter out the garbage-time drives from their eight wins over FBS opponents, their stop rate jumps to an astonishing 93.1%, the best in the country. Ohio State (No. 2) and Indiana (No. 8) are another showdown of top-10 stop rate defenses, and the Big Ten's other two CFP contenders continue to climb the standings. Oregon moved up to 11th following its 16-13 road win at Wisconsin, and Penn State has climbed to 13th after its 49-10 win at Purdue. 1: These top stop rate teams are setting the standard for defensive excellence in college football. Their ability to consistently make stops and prevent opponents from scoring is a key factor in their success. Each team brings its own unique style and approach to defense, but they all share the common goal of getting off the field and preventing points. 2: As the playoff race heats up, these stop rate rankings will play a crucial role in determining which teams have the best chance of making a deep run. The teams at the top of the standings have shown that they can handle the toughest opponents and perform when it matters most.Tulane's Dominant Defense
Tulane's defense has been dominant in their three games since their 45-37 win over North Texas. They moved up to 17th in stop rate this week and now rank fourth nationally in third-down defense. Their ability to shut down opponents on third down has been a key factor in their success. 1: Tulane's defense is a force to be reckoned with. They have shown that they can rise to the occasion and make big plays when needed. Their improvement over the past few games is a testament to their coaching and the players' development. 2: As they continue to climb the rankings, Tulane is a team that cannot be overlooked. They have the potential to make a real impact in the playoff race and prove that they are a legitimate contender.Teams on the Move
Miami (OH), Tulane, and Clemson moved into the top 25 in this week's stop rate standings, while Wisconsin, Navy, and Nebraska dropped out. This shows the volatility of the rankings and the importance of consistent performance on defense. 1: The movement in the stop rate standings highlights the competitiveness of college football. Any team can have a great game or a bad game, and it can have a significant impact on their ranking. 2: Teams need to stay focused and continue to work on their defense if they want to maintain their position in the rankings and have a chance at success in the playoffs.Note: All data is courtesy of TruMedia. Games against FCS opponents and end-of-half drives in which the opponent took a knee or ran out the clock were filtered out.Copyright © 2024 ESPN Internet Ventures. All rights reserved.
