This is not an easy year to be an offensive coordinator in the Big Ten. Brad Salem, who fills that role for Michigan State, had to face one of the nation’s top defenses last week against Ohio State. This week, he has a similar challenge against Wisconsin. “They’re both very good defenses, top in the country, and so there’ll be a physicality to them, like there always has been,” Salem said. “You see the intensity and how they play, and stat-wise, they’re leaders in the country in almost every category.” It’s not just Ohio State and Wisconsin. The top four teams in the FBS in scoring defense are all from the Big Ten, with Penn State and Iowa in that group along with the Badgers and Buckeyes. Move over to the yards-based total defense stat, and those same teams occupy four of the top five spots. Yes, those stats can…
Continue Reading: Big Ten contenders like Penn State are winning with defense
