There isn’t an official award in college football for most improved defense, but if there was it would have to go to Arizona. The Wildcats are top 40 in scoring, rushing and total defense and top 20 in red zone defense, all categories they were 99th or worst in a year ago.
At least the architect of that turnaround is finally getting some national recognition, as UA defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen has been nominated for the Broyles Award given to the nation’s top assistant coach.
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