5 stats that prove Wisconsin is among the nation's best on defense

Wisconsin's defense has been lights out since Week 1 of the season, and it has only gotten better in Big Ten play. They entered the bye week among the nation's best defenses, especially when adjusted for opponent strength. It's been a defense that's been stifling and has really helped the offense get going, too.

Here are five stats that prove that Wisconsin has a great defense.

1. Wisconsin player leading the NCAA in quarterback pressures

Sebastian Cheeks is generating pressure at a higher rate than anyone in the country. He simply won't let opposing quarterbacks get comfortable. While it hasn't always resulted in a sack, he's finding ways to disrupt the opponent's offense, and that helps the rest of the defense get stops.

Wisconsin is also trying to help him get sacks and create pressure. The Badgers are generating pressure on 19% of their blitzes, which also leads the nation, according to PFF.

2. Wisconsin has two of the highest graded linebackers

Speaking of PFF, they recently released a list of the highest-graded linebackers in college football. Wisconsin is the only team with two linebackers on the same list. In the top-10 linebackers in the nation, Wisconsin has two linebackers; that's insane. And of course, you can guess which ones: Mason Posa is rated at 85.8, and his roommate Cooper Catalano is currently rated at 86.5.

Both of these players have been a huge key to the season. Catalano actually leads the Big Ten in tackles right now with 45 total tackles. Mason Posa is third in solo tackles with 24.

3. It's extremely tough to find the end zone against Wisconsin

This has been talked about a lot, but when giving a list of reasons why Wisconsin is one of the best defenses in the country, this needs to be waved on a banner. The Badgers are sixth in the nation in the percentage of drives that allow a touchdown. They have only allowed a touchdown on 11.5% of drives, which is tied with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Let's take it up a notch: Wisconsin hasn't allowed a touchdown in 20 straight drives, dating back to Eastern Michigan. Talk about a defense that stifles the opponent and makes it easier for their offense.

4. PFF has them as the third-best defense (adjusted for opponent strength)

According to PFF, the Badgers are the third-ranked defense in rating. While they aren't top-3 in any traditional statistics like total yards, rushing yards, or points per game, when you consider the competition, Wisconsin's defense is among the best. PFF has the defense rated as a 92.6 overall unit, tied with LSU and Michigan. Only Georgia and Notre Dame outpace them.

5. Wisconsin's pass defense is nearly in the top-10

Where Wisconsin has really excelled is in not allowing explosive plays in the passing game. The Badgers are forcing opponents to chip away at them if they want to move the chains. Wisconsin is ranked 11th in FBS in passing yards per game at 152.6.

To hold opponents under 200 yards passing consistently is an impressive stat. Wisconsin simply hasn't let any quarterback get comfortable this season. Even when Notre Dame gave the Badgers a beating to start the season, it wasn't because of CJ Carr.

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