DOING IT WITH DEFENSE
Michigan State's defense has dominated the Big Ten for three seasons and, this season, the Spartans are among the best in the nation.
Category2011 (11-3, 7-1)2012 (7-6, 3-5)2013 (7-0, 10-1)
(statistic/Big Ten rank/FBS rank)
Points allowed/game 18.4 3 1016.31912.514
Yards allowed/game277.416274.414236.611
Rushing yards allowed/game100.51998.61859.411
Passing yards allowed/game176.9311175.839177.319
Turnover margin+7326+2650+1416
Interceptions181121413614322
Sacks451720119325341
Opp. third-down conv.33.7%11630.5%1827.3%12
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