2017 vs 2018 Defensive comparisons

Scoring Defense
2017-31.8 PPG, 50 TD, 20 FG
2018-24.4 PPG, 34 TD, 19 FG
Total Defense
2017- 414 YPG, 5.6 YPP
2018- 379 YPG, 5.6 YPP
Passing Defense
2017-255 YPG, 20 TD, 12 INT, 60% Comp, 132 PR
2018-256 YPG, 20 TD, 8 INT, 55% Comp, 132 PR
Rushing Defense
2017-160 YPG, 27 TD
2018-123 YPG, 10 TD
TFL
2017-103
2018-69
Sacks
2017-33
2018-25

Completion % allowed was the only improvement in Pass Defense. Walters isn't getting fired but there isn't a mid season scheme change to blame for the secondary play.

2009 is the only season in the last decade were MU allowed fewer rushing YPG (118 YPG) and this season was the fewest rushing TDs allowed during that time.

Sacks and TFL are interesting #s to me. The season totals show a significant drop but the conference #s tell a different story. In 2017 MU had 51 TFls during conference play. They had 46 this year. They had 14 sacks in conference play last year. They had 16 this year. Beckner and Hall combined for 17.5 TFLs and aren't simple guys to replace because of leadership. Byars and Turner do an excellent job setting the edge and Elliott is a wrecking ball. I think the line is going to be very good again next year.