[suicidekings]

Originally posted on 12/05/2013:

I see they are rank top 10 in the nation in most defensive categories. Is the same group of players from the 2011 team, can a BG fans or MAC specialist confirm this ?

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef

Adjusted for schedule, they don't really impress as much. They haven't faced many teams that can put up points. Against Toledo, Mizz State, and Indiana, they got run right over for 242, 245, and 266 yards on the ground. Now they're facing a team that averages 318 ypg. Granted NIU has also had a cakewalk schedule, but this game is a big step in weight class for them. In particular, the NIU OL has been a huge strength for them in allowing Lynch to do his thing.

That said though, in their last 9 games, BG has allowed just 21 second half points, on three TDs. One each in the UMass, Toledo, and Murray State games. Two of those were in blowout wins and unimportant. It would seem that once they start to push an opponent back, they don't take the pressure off for the remainder of the game. That's pretty impressive in any context.