Top Defenses in College Football History

People say that defense wins championships. And that extends to college football. Some of these players would go on to become stars in the NFL or busts. This only shows the value of what a great team can do. Even coaches like Nick Saban who have coached dominating college football teams couldn't find the same success in the NFL. Nevertheless, they were legends at their respective schools and institutions. Here's the top defenses in college football history.

Alabama - 2011

One of the top defenses in college football history is this legendary team coached by Nick Saban. Alabama was ranked first in the league in all defensive categories, including passing, rushing, total and scoring defenses. The Crimson Tides' only loss came to the number one ranked LSU in a hard fought overtime game. Three defenders from the team went on to become first round picks in the 2012 NFL draft.

Miami - 2001

This defense was so good that ten of its defensive players were first round picks in the NFL draft between 2002-2005. Featuring a secondary with Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, Antrel Rolle and James Marshall, establishing any sort of passing game is almost unspeakable. The passing defense was ranked second in the league with only 138 yards allowed per game. But Miami forced a total of 45 turnovers, good for first overall and one of the top defenses in college football history.

Florida - 2006

This legendary team and one of the top defenses in college football history defeated a heavily favored Ohio State team in a 41-14 victory. In the game, the Gators held Heisman-winner Troy Smith to only 35 yards and sacked him five times. Reggie Nelson, Jarvis Moss, and Derrick Harvey were all first-round draft picks in 2007 with former NFL stars Percy Harvin and Tim Tebow following in later years.

LSU - 2011

The LSU Tigers had an outstanding season in 2011, being ranked number one overall with their only loss coming in the National Championship game against rival Alabama. One of the top defenses in college football history was led by Morris Claiborne who won the Thorpe Award and Tyrann Mathieu would become a finalist for the Heisman. Ranked second in total defense and scoring defense, Sam Montgomery, Eric Reid, Barkevious Mingo, Kevin Minter, Anthony Johnson would all see their careers blossom in the NFL.

Nebraska - 2009

Despite having Ndamukong Suh who led the team in sacks, tackles for loss and hurries, the Huskers finished 10-4. Suh famously lost out on the Heisman that year but still became the number two pick in the 2010 NFL draft. Though Nebraska won the Holiday Bowl against Arizona and are one of the top defenses in college football history, they fell short of beating Texas in the Big 12 Championship Game in a close game that ended with 13-12.

USC - 2008

This USC team led by future Seattle Seahawks' head coach Pete Carroll, had a defense with Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing who both became first round picks in the 2009 NFL draft. The Trojans had the top-ranked passing and total defense that season, only losing to the number one ranked Oregon State, becoming one of the top defenses in college football history.

Alabama - 2009

This undefeated, number one ranked team went on to win the Rose Bowl against number two-seeded Texas, 37-21. One of the team's biggest victories came against the Tebow-led Gators in the SEC Championship game, holding Tebow to only 13 points. With one of the top defenses in college football history, Rolando McClain, Kareem Jackson and Marcell Dareus were all drafted in the first round in 2010.

Alabama - 1992

Another great Alabama team and one of the top defenses in college football history went undefeated in 1992, winning the Sugar Bowl against the number one-ranked Miami, 34-13. Led by All-American Eric Curry, the Crimson Tides only gave up an average of ten points per game. Curry, along with John Copeland and George Teague all were drafted in the first round.

Oklahoma - 2000

This undefeated Sooners team held Heisman-winner Chris Weinke and the number one-ranked offense of Florida State to zero points in the Orange Bowl game. As one of the top defenses in college football history, this Oklahoma team won two Butkus awards and two Thorpe awards with Andre Woolfolk and Roy Williams becoming first-round picks.

Washington - 1991

Led by All-American and future number one pick Steve Emtman, the Washington Huskies went undefeated, beating Michigan in the Rose Bowl, 34-14. Washington was one of the top defenses in college football history and was quick and dominant, with only 115 points allowed for the whole season.