The Alabama Crimson Tide may not be the best team in the nation according to the BCS, but their numbers tell a very different story.
Their defense is superbly better than anyone in the nation (yes, LSU included), and their offense isn't half bad either.
Currently, the Tide rank first in numerous categories, and these aren't by close margins. The Tide is well ahead of the other teams.
Here's a look at some of their top-ranked national placings.
Scoring defense
1. Alabama, 7.1 PPG
2. LSU, 10.7 PPG
Rushing defense
1. Alabama, 51.9 YPG
2. Cincinnati, 80.11 YPG
Passing defense
1. Alabama, 129.5 YPG
2. Wisconsin, 146.3 YPG
Total defense
1. Alabama, 181.4 YPG
2. LSU, 253.2 YPG
Opponent first downs
1. Alabama, 10.3 PG
2. Georgia, 14.3 PG
Opponent third-down conversions
1. Alabama, 25.68 percent
2. Georgia, 27.94 percent
Alabama has also been top-notch when it comes to keeping the ball close to the line of scrimmage. They have only allowed two rushing plays this year to go for more than 20 yards, and allowed 13 for more than 10—both are best in the league.
The Tide rank fairly high in sacks and tackles for losses as well, with 23 and 75 respectively. They also have 29 quarterback hurries, four more than LSU.
The pass defense has great numbers too, ranked third in the nation with 52 passes broken up and fifth with 63 passes defended.
The only spot Alabama is relatively lacking on defense is causing turnovers. The Tide have done a good job, but going for the interception or forced fumble can be risky. Nick Saban and crew seem more content with just putting the ball carrier on the ground.
Another interested statistic is their third-place national rank for penalties committed with 39.
The offense isn't too shabby, placing high in many national categories as well, but rank in the bottom half in passing.
Scoring offense: 25th, 34.5 PPG (fourth SEC)
Rushing offense: 18th, 215.3 YPG (first SEC)
Total offense: 34th, 434.2 YPG (third SEC)
Punt returns: 17th, 12.58 per return (third SEC)
They could be ranked higher in these offensive categories, but there has been an emphasis placed on ball control and ball security. They are 13th in the nation in time of possession, on average controlling the ball for 32 minutes, 40 seconds per game.
They are also second in the nation with only fumbles lost fumbles.
The stats never quite tell the entire story, but in Alabama's case they really do the talking. Judging by the current landscape of college football, this Alabama defense is among the best in history and is certainly the best in 2011.
They say defenses win championships, yet they call battles of defenses "boring" or "snoozers."
Well, Alabama's defense is the best you could ask for, and only time will tell if it wins the Tide their 14th crown.
Chad Moeller Jorge Posada Lance Berkman Reegie Corona Juan Miranda Colin Curtis
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