How do you measure pass defenses?

Numbers only tell part of the story, and maybe not even the largest or most important part.

Missouri allowed just 10 touchdown passes, tied for fewest in the SEC, in 2015. That’s outstanding, but it’s worth noting, as our Mizzou writer did, that the Tigers often trailed in the fourth quarter and therefore faced fewer pass attempts than all but three SEC teams. Two of those three teams, Kentucky and South Carolina, also lost more games than they won.

Again, context matters.

Alabama was one of three SEC teams that allowed more than 3,000 yards passing. Nobody with a clear understanding of defensive and situational football would dare say the Tide’s pass defense was a weakness.

But the Tide was almost always ahead, played 15 games and faced 495 passes — second-most in the SEC.

They allowed 17 touchdowns passes — only three teams allowed more — but led the SEC with 19 interceptions, including Eddie Jackson’s key one in the championship game victory over Clemson. Their +2 INT/TD allowed margin led the SEC.

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) intercepts a pass intended for Clemson Tigers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (34) during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

LSU — “DBU” — allowed 22 touchdown passes and picked off just 10 passes. That -12 gap was by far the worst in the SEC in 2015.

Another measure is 300-yard games allowed. Again, context matters. SEC East teams that avoided Chad Kelly, Dak Prescott and Brandon Allen caught a break. Those three QBs combined for 11 300-yard passing games against SEC teams in 2015. Two of Prescott’s came against Kentucky and Missouri — the only time those two teams allowed a QB to reach 300 yards. One of Kelly’s came against Vanderbilt.

  • Arkansas 5
  • Ole Miss 5
  • Mississippi State 4
  • Alabama 3
  • Auburn 3
  • LSU 3
  • Vanderbilt 2
  • Florida 1
  • Georgia 1
  • Kentucky 1
  • Missouri 1
  • South Carolina 1
  • Tennessee 1
  • Texas A&M 0

Beyond the numbers, we dived into each team and determined whether they would be better or worse in 2016.

Alabama: Tide could very well be better

Arkansas: Simple. The Razorbacks will be much better

Auburn: Nowhere to go but up

Florida: Gators lost too much talent to be better in 2016

Georgia: Numbers might not agree, but secondary still a strength

Kentucky: Don’t throw on Chris Westry

LSU: New scheme, but expect DBU to bounce back

Mississippi State: Pass defense will be a strength in 2016

Missouri: Key losses likely result in dip in productivity

Ole Miss: Rebels have depth to overcome key losses

South Carolina: New scheme, plenty of room for improvement

Tennessee: Everything there for better pass defense in 2016

Texas A&M: Pass rush, secondary skill equal more big plays

Vanderbilt: Depth, more offensive help should help pass defense