Northwestern’s offensive statistics are unimpressive, and that’s being kind. The Wildcats rank 114th in the in the nation in total offense, with only 332.6 total yards per game. They only pass for 139.3 yards per game.

But the script flips when it comes to Northwestern’s defense. The Wildcats defense allows only 310 yards per game — 11th best in the nation — and is particularly strong against the run, allowing opponents only 117.8 rushing yards per game. Northwestern’s defense is the main reason why the Wildcats have a 10-2 record heading into the Outback Bowl against Tennessee.

But how high would Northwestern’s defense rank if the Wildcats played in the SEC?

To be frank, the success of Northwestern’s defense would significantly differ depending on whether the Wildcats played in the SEC’s East Division or West Division.

Let’s take a look at how well Northwestern’s defense played against its 2015 opponents and see how likely the statistics would change significantly against an SEC schedule.

NORTHWESTERN VS. BIG TEN OPPONENTS

Though Northwestern’s overall defensive statistics are impressive, the Wildcats struggled to stop the best offenses it faced in the Big Ten. Northwestern’s only Big Ten opponent that ranked in the top 50 in offense (Nebraska, 37th) scored 28 points and had 373 total yards.

Northwestern’s defense did even worse against its next-best offensive opponents. Iowa and Michigan — ranked 69th and 71st in total offense — combined for 78 points and 872 total yards.

However, Northwestern did do an excellent job of keeping opponents with weaker offenses in check. Against the rest of its Big Ten schedule — with no team ranked higher than 84th in total offense — the Wildcats defense allowed only 11.2 points per game.

IF NORTHWESTERN PLAYED IN THE SEC EAST …

If the Wildcats played in the SEC Eastern Division, its defense would still rank as one of the best in college football, and there is a good chance that it might even move up in the rankings.

The best offense in the SEC East is Tennessee — Northwestern’s opponent in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1 — and the Vols offense ranks only 50th in the nation. Plus, Northwestern matches up well against Tennessee’s offense because the Vols rely on their running game to generate yards, and Northwestern is strong against the run.

No other team in the SEC East ranks higher than 75th in total offense, and three of the division’s teams — Florida, Vanderbilt and Missouri — rank lower than 100th.

IF NORTHWESTERN PLAYED IN THE SEC WEST…

The Wildcats’ defensive statistics would look significantly worse than they did this season if they played in the SEC West.

Ole Miss, 11th in the nation in total offense, is much better on offense than any of the teams Northwestern played. Arkansas and Mississippi State are better on offense than Iowa and Michigan. And the next-best offenses in the West — Texas A&M, Alabama and LSU — rank 48th, 49th, and 51st, respectively. The only weak offensive team is Auburn, and the Tigers still rank ahead of two of Northwestern’s Big Ten opponents.

Northwestern does have a solid defense. It held Stanford without a touchdown, pitched a shutout against Minnesota and held Wisconsin to seven points on the road. It also has talent at every level, including DE Dean Lowry, LB Anthony Walker and two strong cornerbacks in Matthew Harris and Nick VanHoose.

But there’s only a small chance that Northwestern’s defense would rank in the top 20 in any category playing in the SEC West. And it’s even less likely that Northwestern would have a 10-2 record.