The Big 12 is known as a league full of explosive offenses, but it's also home to several of the best and toughest defenses in the entire country, and this year figures to be no different. However, there are some that are a cut above the rest. Here are the three best defenses in the Big 12 heading into this season:
3) Baylor Bears
Baylor won't have a shutdown defensive unit, but the Bears have become a playoff contender because of the strides the defense has made over the last few years under Phil Bennett. They have an defensive line headlined by Shawn Oakman, Andrew Billings, Beau Blackshear, Jamal Palmer, and K.J. Smith, and cornerback Xavien Howard and safety Orion Stewart have the potential to be all be All-Big 12 players at the back end of the defense. Baylor will still rely most on their offense, but their defense has become a force to be reckoned with.
2) Texas Longhorns
The offense is an absolute mess, but the Longhorns have a top-notch defense they can rely on. Head coach Charlie Strong is one of the best defensive minds in the country, and they'll be strong again this year. They have to replace six of the top seven tacklers, including Malcolm Brown, Cedric Reed, Jordan Hicks, and Quandre Diggs, but a talented unit led by freshman linebacker Malik Jefferson, should be brought up to speed in no time.
1) Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma was inconsistent on defense during the second half of the season, but the return of Eric Striker, Zack Sanchez, and Charles Tapper should solidify this unit as one of the best in the country. Bob Stoops knows what to do with a talented defense, which will be key in slowing down the high-powered offenses in the Big 12.
Follow our Big 12 page for all the latest Big 12 news and rumors!
Back to the Big 12 Newsfeed