The 5 Greatest College Football Defenses Ever

It is often said that defense wins championships and it’s hard to argue against this stance. Throughout the history of college football, we’ve seen hard-nosed defenses break offenses and lead their teams to titles.

Here are the 5 greatest college football defenses ever. Check out the list below and play casino games at GameZone Tablegame Championship Cup.

5. 1939 Tennessee Volunteers

Of all of the 5 greatest college football defenses ever, the 1939 Tennessee Volunteers are arguably the best. In the 1930s, they faced less sophisticated offenses, but their dominance was unmatched during the era.

Under coach Bob Neyland, the Vols achieved the NCAA record for holding all regular season opponents scoreless. They’re shutout streak extended to 15 games through two seasons.

This Vols team 1.3 PPG across this timeline and is a record that will likely remain intact.

4. 2021 Georgia Bulldogs

In 2021, Kirby Smart’s defense ended Georgia’s 41-year national title drought. This team became one of the 5 greatest college football defenses ever by dominating the SEC conference.

Throughout their undefeated seasons, Georgia only gave up 10.2 PPG and 4.2 yards per play. Their greatest performance of the year was scoring 18 points on rival Alabama.

What made this defense so great was they were able to thrive in the most offensive-friendly era of college football.

3. 1991 Washington Huskies

The 1991 Washington Huskies were a special defense who was able to shut down high-powered PAC-10 offenses. Coached by Don James, this defense anchored an undefeated season and split the national title with Miami.

During the season, Washington held seven opponents under 7 points or fewer and only allowed 9.6 PPG. This defense was led by All-Americans Steve Emtman(Outland Trophy Winner) and Dave Hoffmann.

Washington secured their place as one of the 5 greatest college football defenses ever by blowing out Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

2. 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide

The Nick Saban era at Alabama was one of the most successful runs by any coach ever. This era also included one of the 5 greatest defenses in college football history in the 2011 Alabama squad.

During this year, the Crimson Tide defense was a menace. Saban’s defense only allowed 8.2 PPG and only 3.3 yards per play, while holding 10 opponents under 10 points.

They put their names in the history books by shutting out LSU 21-0 in the national championship.

1. 2001 Miami Hurricanes

The other teams on the 5 greatest defenses in college football history list are great, but one stands above them all. The 2001 Miami Hurricanes is arguably one of the greatest teams ever assembled and were anchored by a legendary defense.

Their defense consisted of numerous future NFL legends like Vince Wilfork, Ed Reed, and Shawn Taylor. They were three of twenty-one Hurricanes, who were drafted to the NFL.

During the season, this Miami defense generated 48 takeaways and only gave up 9.8 PPG. They put their names in the history books and finished undefeated after crushing Nebraska 37-14 in the Rose Bowl.