nation. IIRC, they brought back 9 starters from that defense. And they brought in two big time D-linemen as transfers from P-4 schools.
Hans Olson, if I’m not mistaken, feels like they have three NFL D linemen on their team. That isn’t the same as random CBers talking about Portland State’s then future NFL corners.
Granted, they played in the AAC last year. So the defense being #11 in scoring might be an over-rating. But it certainly isn’t nothing.
How will they do this year? Who knows? Different opponents, injuries or lack thereof and other factors will come into play.
All that said, it wouldn’t be shocking if SMU has a defense that ranks in the top third on our schedule.
Before anyone gets too worked up, I’m not saying all is right with our offense. Or that it was on Friday. Just a little context.