Top 5 formidable defensive units heading into Week 6 of college football ft. Ohio State
The 2024 college football season is in full swing as the calendar is set to turn to Week 6. There have been multiple shocking upsets in the early portion of the season leading to a shakeup in the AP Top 25 Poll rankings.
Multiple defenses have continued to play great football and stand out as elite units. Here's a closer look at five defenses that have played the best thus far and should continue to do so in Week 6.
Top 5 defensive units in college football entering Week 6
#1. Ohio State Buckeyes
The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes have been elite on the defensive side of the football to start the season. They lead the nation in scoring defense while ranking second in the nation in yards allowed per game, as their opponents have averaged just 6.8 points per game and 196.5 yards per game.
They have recorded 29 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries and scored two defensive touchdowns across their first four games. Ohio State has won their first four games of the season in dominant fashion, outscoring their opponents 195-27. They will continue Big Ten play in Week 6 as the Iowa Hawkeyes visit Columbus.
#2. Tennessee Volunteers
The No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers have also been elite defensively to open the season. They have held their opponents to just 7.0 ppg and 176.0 ypg. Those stats rank tied for second and first in all of college football, respectively.
The Volunteers have recorded 31 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two interceptions, five fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown. They have gotten off to a 4-0 start with victories over the then-No. 24 NC State Wolfpack and then-No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners. They will head to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in Week 6.
#3. Texas Longhorns
The No. 2 Texas Longhorns have been yet another elite defensive unit this season, allowing just 7.0 ppg and 228.2 ypg this season. Those stats rank tied for second and sixth in the nation, respectively.
They have recorded 38 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, seven interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown. The Longhorns have gotten off to a 5-0 start that includes a win over the then-No. 10 Michigan Wolverines. They will have a bye in Week 6.
#4. Penn State Nittany Lions
The No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions rank seventh in the nation in scoring defense and fourth in yards allowed per game. Penn State has allowed just 11.5 ppg and 226.5 ypg as they have been dominant on the defensive end.
They have recorded 28 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries. The Nittany Lions have gotten off to a 4-0 start, including a victory over the then-No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini last weekend. They will host the UCLA Bruins in Week 6.
#5. Missouri Tigers
The No. 9 Missouri Tigers have also played great on the defensive end. They have allowed just 12.0 ppg and 219.0 ypg. The Tigers are eighth in the nation in scoring defense and third in yards allowed per game.
They have recorded 22 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four interceptions and one fumble recovery in four games. Missouri has won its first four games of the season, including a victory against the then-No. 24 Boston College Eagles. They will face the Texas A&M Aggies in Week 6.
Which defensive unit has impressed you the most heading into Week 6 of the college football season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.