Written By Lauralys Shallow

We will continue taking a look at the best of the Hoosiers’ 2018 opponents. Today we will look at the best defensive lines IU plays in 2018.

1. Ohio State

Last season, Ohio State allowed 274.4 YPG, which was second in the Big Ten Conference. The Buckeyes Big Ten opponents averaged under 20 points a game, with Ohio State giving up an average of just 19.9 PPG. A large part of OSU’s ability to keep its conference opponents out of the end zone is because of the strong rush defense. Conference opponents averaged only 2.7 yards per rush, and OSU held opponents under 100 yards a game, giving up an average of 90.6 Rush Yds./G. Last season, OSU allowed just seven rushing touchdowns in nine conference games.

OSU had no problem getting to the quarterback, getting a total of 28 sacks, an average of 3.1 each conference game. Nick Bosa is arguably the best defensive lineman in the conference. Bosa’s 6’4, 263-pound frame combined with his speed is a nightmare for offensive lineman. Last season, he led the Buckeyes in tackles-for-loss (16.0) and sacks (8.0). He was named the 2017 Big Ten Conference Smith-Brown defensive lineman of the year and an American Football Coaches Association first-team All-American.

2. Michigan

Michigan’s defensive line makes it so hard on the offense to move the ball and get to the end zone. Michigan allowed just 19.4 PPG against its conference opponents. Michigan’s rush defense is solid, giving up 140.4 rush yards a game, but the Wolverines pass defense is the best in the conference. Opponents earned 148.3 pass YPG. The Michigan defensive line was able to apply pressure on the quarterback, forcing him to release the ball earlier and disrupt the rhythm of the passing plays.

The Wolverines had 26 sacks, an average of 2.9 per conference game. Michigan also does a nice job of getting off the field, and its third down defense is the best in the conference with opponents converting only 28.1 percent of the time. Chase Winovich was added to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List midseason last year. He was also an All-Big ten selection (first team, media; second team, coaches). The 6’3 255-pound defensive lineman was tied for the most sacks (8) on the team last year. Winovich had 18 tackles-for loss resulting in a total of 72 lost yards. The fifth year senior is well-equipped to have another successful season.

3. Michigan State

Michigan State’s defensive line makes it hard for opponents to run the ball. The Spartans held its conference opponents to 94.9 rush yards per game. Opponents averaged just 3.3 yards-per-rush. Michigan State held its conference opponents to 20.1 PPG. The Spartans had 22 sacks last season, averaging 2.4 per game in the Big Ten. Defensive end Kenny Willekes led the team in sacks last season with 7. The 6’4, 260-pound junior had two sacks against Michigan last season. Willekes also led the team in tackles-for-loss with 14.5 on the season.

4. Penn State

Penn State is another team that is tough to run downhill against. In conference play, the defense allowed only 19.1 PPG. Big Ten opponents averaged 116.9 YPG, and Penn State’s defense allowed 3.6 average yards per rush. The Nittany Lion had 27 sacks, averaging 3.0 per Big Ten Conference game. Penn State is able to make stops on third down, with a 32.4 percent third down conversion average. Brandon Smith, 6’0 228-pound grad student, had 62 tackles last season with being 19 unassisted. Smith recovered the fumble that secured last season’s Fiesta Bowl Victory for Penn State.

5. Iowa

Iowa held its Big Ten opponents to 20.1 PPG and 362.1 YPG. The Hawkeyes are well-disciplined against the run. Conference opponents earned 157.1 YPG, which is a 4.2 average. Iowa got to the quarterback, getting 22 sacks and averaging 2.4 each conference game. Anthony Nelson, 6’7, 271-pound defensive end led the Hawkeyes in sacks (7.5) and was second in tackles-for-loss (9.5). Nelson’s size gives him an advantage over most offensive lineman. Nelson has the ability to make big defensive plays and stops for the Hawkeyes.

6. Purdue

Purdue is yet another Big Ten opponent IU will face that is tough to put points up against. Purdue held conference opponents to 19.2 PPG last season. The Boilermakers defend the rush well, holding opponents to 134.6 YPG and 3.5 average per rush in Big Ten games. Purdue got 24 sacks, 2.7 per game in last season’s conference play. Junior Lorenzo Neal, 6’3 315, had 22 tackles with 18 of them being solo, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, and 2 sacks last season. He has great speed for his size, and he is able to wrap up and make tackles on his own.

7. Minnesota

Minnesota had the third best pass defense in the conference last year. The Golden Gophers allowed an average of 172.7 YPG in the air. Minnesota’s rush defense is not as stout. Big Ten teams averaged 209.9 rush yards per-game and 5.3 yard average per-rush. Conference opponents averaged 27.8 PPG and 382.6 YPG. Converted linebacker Carter Coughlin will move to defensive end after leading the team with 11.5 tackles for loss.

8. FIU

FIU allowed 28.5 PPG last season. Opponents averaged 4.7 yards per carry, gaining an average of 171.3 yards per-game against the Panthers. Last year, opponents converted 38 percent of the time on third down. The Panthers finished with 23 sacks on the season. Senior Fermin Silva will headline a strong group for the Panthers. Silva made 14 TFLs last season.

9. Maryland

Maryland has the worst scoring defense in the conference last season, allowing 38.8 PPG. Big Ten opponents had 424.8 YPG, averaging 204.8 on the ground each game. The Terrapins also struggled getting to the quarterback. Maryland had seven sacks in conference play, giving Maryland a .8 average in Big Ten games. Brett Kukla, 6’4 259, had 30 tackles and 3.5 tackles-for-loss last season. Kukla had four tackles at #22 Michigan State, and three tackles at #5 Wisconsin where he forced a key fumble in Badger territory.

10. Virginia

Virginia allowed 28.38 PPG last season. Opponents averaged 4.7 yards per carry, gaining an average of 199.3 yards per-game. Virginia’s opponents converted on 36.7 percent of third downs, and the Cavaliers had 28 sacks total last season. The Cavaliers lose Andrew Brown to the NFL but return junior Eli Hanback who had 5.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks.

11. Rutgers

Rutgers have the worst rush defense IU will face this season. Last year, conference opponents averaged 211.6 yards on the ground each game. Big Ten teams averaged 5.0 yards per-rush against Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights allowed 32.7 PPG and 432.9 YPG. The Knights lose Kemoko Turay but return seniors Kevin Wilkins and Jon Batkey who combined for 8.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks.

12. Ball State

Ball State is the weakest defensive line IU will face in the regular season. Ball State allowed 40.7 PPG. The Cardinal gave up 188 yards per-game on the ground, which was an average of 5.0 yards per run. Ball State had a hard time getting off the field, allowing opponents to convert 47 percent of the time on third down. This year they lose Anthony Winbush who was an All-MAC talent. A pair of young linemen return in Christian Albright (four TFLs, two sacks) and Chris Crumb (2.5 TFLs).

The Huddle

Ranking the Defensive Lines the Hoosiers will Face in 2018