Power Ranking the Defenses of the 8 College Football Playoff Teams

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Defensive EPA: -0.157 (1st)
EPA/Rush: -0.110 (3rd)
EPA Dropback: -0.164 (3rd)

Defensive Success Rate: 34.8% (2nd)
Defensive Rushing Success Rate: 36.3% (9th)
Defensive Dropback Success Rate: 34.3% (2nd)

Undoubtedly, the Ohio State Buckeyes are the cream of the defensive crop. They lead the country in total and scoring defense, characteristics they can ride to a National Championship.

Oregon Total Points 27.5 | -106 Over/-106 Under

Spread: Ohio State -2.5 | Moneyline: Ohio State -134 | Total: 55.5

7. Arizona State Sun Devils

Defensive EPA: -0.073 (18th)
EPA/Rush: -0.075 (16th)
EPA Dropback: -0.070 (23rd)

Defensive Success Rate: 40.9% (70th)
Defensive Rushing Success Rate: 39.3% (40th)
Defensive Dropback Success Rate: 41.8% (101st)

The Arizona State Sun Devils' defense put up mediocre numbers against less-than-stellar competition in the Big 12, and it could be exposed in the playoffs.

Texas Total Points 31.5 | -108 Over/-122 Under

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6. Georgia Bulldogs

Defensive EPA: -0.092 (12th)
EPA/Rush: -0.099 (8th)
EPA Dropback: -0.078 (15th)

Defensive Success Rate: 37.8% (31st)
Defensive Rushing Success Rate: 38.1% (24th)
Defensive Dropback Success Rate: 37.9% (44th)

The Georgia Bulldogs had the toughest schedule in the country, and that's reflected in their sub-optimal defensive metrics.

Notre Dame Total Points 22.5 | -102 Over/-130 Under

Spread: Georgia -1.5 | Moneyline: Georgia -125 | Total: 44.5

5. Oregon Ducks

Defensive EPA: -0.102 (9th)
EPA/Rush: -0.080 (13th)
EPA Dropback: -0.119 (5th)

Defensive Success Rate: 37.3% (23rd)
Defensive Rushing Success Rate: 41% (60th)
Defensive Dropback Success Rate: 35.3% (8th)

The Oregon Ducks defense employed a bend but don't break mentality most of the season. Their flexibility will be tested in Round 2.

Ohio State Total Points 28.5 | -112 Over/-118 Under

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4. Penn State Nittany Lions

Defensive EPA: -0.096 (10th)
EPA/Rush: -0.101 (6th)
EPA Dropback: -0.095 (9th)

Defensive Success Rate: 37.1% (19th)
Defensive Rushing Success Rate: 39% (37th)
Defensive Dropback Success Rate: 36% (16th)

Count the Penn State Nittany Lions as one of the top remaining defenses in the playoffs. Penn State's MO is grinding out hard-fought wins, and its elite defense exemplifies that.

Boise State Total Points 20.5 | -114 Over/-114 Under

Spread: Penn State -11.5 | Moneyline: Penn State -450 | Total: 52.5

3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Defensive EPA: -0.147 (4th)
EPA/Rush: -0.094 (9th)
EPA Dropback: -0.172 (1st)

Defensive Success Rate: 36% (8th)
Defensive Rushing Success Rate: 41.3% (64th)
Defensive Dropback Success Rate: 32.1% (1st)

There's no messing around when it comes to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish's defense. If their offense falters, their defense will have no problem picking up the slack.

Georgia Total Points  23.5 | -120 Over/-110 Under

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2. Texas Longhorns

Defensive EPA: -0.148 (3rd)
EPA/Rush: -0.101 (7th)
EPA Dropback: -0.167 (2nd)

Defensive Success Rate: 37.3% (22nd)
Defensive Rushing Success Rate: 40.8% (58th)
Defensive Dropback Success Rate: 34.9% (5th)

The Texas Longhorns have earned a reputation for being a top offensive program but look past their defense at your own peril. The Longhorns defense can single-handedly turn the tide in the playoffs.

Arizona State Total Points 18.5 | -114 Over/-114 Under

Spread: Texas -12.5 | Moneyline: Texas -465| Total: 51.5

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Defensive EPA: -0.157 (1st)
EPA/Rush: -0.110 (3rd)
EPA Dropback: -0.164 (3rd)

Defensive Success Rate: 34.8% (2nd)
Defensive Rushing Success Rate: 36.3% (9th)
Defensive Dropback Success Rate: 34.3% (2nd)

Undoubtedly, the Ohio State Buckeyes are the cream of the defensive crop. They lead the country in total and scoring defense, characteristics they can ride to a National Championship.

Oregon Total Points 27.5 | -106 Over/-106 Under

Spread: Ohio State -2.5 | Moneyline: Ohio State -134 | Total: 55.5