The SEC wins so many national championships because its teams regularly play the best defense in the country. The Big 12 and Pac-12 can have their high powered offenses, but they can also have their empty trophy cases.

Last year was a continuation of strong defensive play, with 4 teams finishing in the top 14 nationally in scoring defense — Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, LSU — all allowing 19 points per game or fewer. The SEC also featured the No. 1 defense overall with Alabama, which led the country in points allowed per game (11.9), total yards (260.4) and rushing yards (94.7).

Once again the SEC will feature some of the best defenses nationally. Looking for a power ranking of all 14? Look no further.

14. Ole Miss

2017 points allowed per game: 34.6

2018 projection: Worse

Why? How can it get worse than nearly 35 points per game? Take away 2 All-SEC DEs in the form of Breeland Speaks (7 sacks, 8 TFLs) and Marquise Haynes (7.5 sacks, 11 TFLs), the latter of whom was the school’s all-time sack leader with 32. Oh, and the glaring weakness at LB last year? It could be even worse this year now that the one bright spot of the unit, DeMarquis Gates, who led the team in tackles each of the past three years, has graduated. The run defense, which gave up a jaw-dropping 245.3 yards per game and 5.4 yards per carry, has to replace its three best players. With that said, there is some optimism on the DL that Benito Jones and Josiah Coatney, two players with NFL futures, will be able to force the run outside, where the very young and unproven — but fast — linebackers can make plays.

The secondary, which was 9th in the SEC in passing yards allowed at 214.2, should be in decent enough shape as they return their top 3 corners (Myles Hartsfield, Ken Webster and Javien Hamilton), as well as 3 starting-caliber safeties (Zedrick Woods, C.J. Moore and Jaylon Jones). They’ll need some help from the pass rush though, so the guys replacing Speaks and Haynes – DEs Ryder Anders, Qaadir Sheppard and Victor Evans – will have big shoes to fill. While DC Wesley McGriff is a proven recruiter, we still don’t know if he can run a defense yet.

13. Vanderbilt

2017 points allowed per game: 31.3

2018 projection: Worse

Why? The Dores were 12th in the SEC in rushing yards per game at just under 200 and are replacing 5 starters in their front seven, including NT Nifae Lealao (23 tackles, 4 TFLs) and a third-round draft pick at OLB in Oren Burks (1 sack, 7 TFLs, 1 INT). There’s some talent up front in the form of brothers Dare and Dayo Odeyingbo at DE, the former a returning starter who compiled 13.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks last year. Aside from Dare Odeyingbo, the defensive line is thin and inexperienced. The linebacking corps is senior-laden but doesn’t have a whole lot of starts under their belt aside from star OLB Charles Wright (below).

Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The secondary will have some experience in the starting lineup with CBs Joejuan Williams and Donovan Sheffield and safeties Zaire Jones and LaDarius Wiley, but it’s an awfully thin group and the two deep is flooded with underclassmen. The starting secondary won’t be too bad though and was a strength last year too (No. 26 nationally in passing yards per game with 194.6), and they’ll have some form of a pass rush with Charles Wright (who compiled 9 sacks last year) and Dare Odeyingbo. It’ll be interesting to see how creative new DC Jason Tarver, who’s spent the bulk of his career in the NFL, can be to get this unit to exceed expectations.

12. Arkansas

2017 points allowed per game: 36.2

2018 projection: Better

Why? It can’t get much worse after finishing dead last in the SEC in points allowed and second-to-last in yards (438.4). Fortunately, they also return 5 starters in their front seven, including their two best defensive linemen — McTelvin Agim and Randy Ramsey, who combined for 14 TFLs and 5.5 sacks — and two best linebackers in De’Jon Harris and Dre Greenlaw. Harris has the chance to become a star at ILB after finishing 2017 with 115 tackles, 8.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks.

The secondary was also a major weakness last year, finishing 12th  the conference and No. 92 nationally with 242.2 yards per game, but like the front seven, it returns some talented pieces giving cautious optimism that it’ll be improved. Kamren Curl successfully transitioned to SS, Santos Ramirez returns at FS after leading the team with 3 forced fumbles in 2017, and they bring back two solid cover corners in Ryan Pulley and Chevin Calloway. Kevin Richardson, who tied for team lead in INTs with 3, is back at the nickel. It’ll be fun to see how the defense responds to the new 4-3 scheme under legendary SEC DC John “Chief” Chavis.

11. Mizzou

2017 points allowed per game: 31.8

2018 projection: Better

Why? They made a drastic improvement on defense halfway through last season and it should continue into 2018. In the first 6 games, the Tigers gave up an average of 42.1 PPG and were 1-5. In the second half, they gave up just 23 PPG and the Tigers went 6-1. Say what you will about the offenses they played in that span, but they still performed. They also return some star power in their front seven with DT Terry Beckner (7 sacks, 11 TFLs) and LBs Terez Hall (80 tackles, 12.5 TFLs) and Cale Garrett (99 tackles, 10 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 INTs) all returning. Losing DE Marcell Frazier (15.5 sacks past two years) hurts, but there’s high expectations for sophomore Chris Turner.

The Tigers struggled mightily against the pass last year, finishing last in the SEC (254.5 yards allowed). They’ll also be breaking in two new starters at safety with Cam Hilton and Josh Bledsoe, who is making the switch from OLB. There’s some talent at CB with DeMarkus Acy and Adam Sparks, who have progressed nicely the past two years. After handling playcalling duties for most of the year, HC Barry Odom has handed over the duties to trusted lieutenant and DB coach Ryan Walters.

10. Kentucky

2017 points allowed per game: 28.2

2018 projection: Better

Why? They return a plethora of starters and numerous key players on all three levels of defense, including linebacker Josh Allen (66 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 7 sacks and 2 FFs), who should again contend for All-SEC honors. If ILB Jordan Jones (64 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 2 sacks) can stay healthy, he’s another dangerous weapon for the front seven. They’re also expecting much better production from their defensive line, which returns both starting DEs T.J. Carter and Adrian Middleton, and Josh Paschal has made some noise, as well.

The secondary returns all four starters, though that’s not necessarily saying much considering the group was No. 102 nationally agains the pass (251.6 yards). They need CB Derrick Baity to come back healthy from the shoulder injury that sidelined him in the spring, and they’ll need star safety Mike Edwards (96 tackles, 4 TFLs, 4 INTs) to once again play lights out. With 14 of their top 17 tacklers from last year returning, you have to imagine the group will be better than last year, right?

9. Tennessee

2017 points allowed per game: 29.1

2018 projection: Better

Why? Just like their offense, the defense has nowhere to go but up. Unlike the offense, however, there are some interesting pieces returning on defense, and the unit might not be too bad. The line, making the switch to a 3-man front, features talented seniors Jonathan Kongbo and Kyle Phillips at DE and Shy Tuttle at the nose. While their stats don’t jump off the page (combined for 9.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks last year), they’re much better suited for the odd front with their strength against the run. Darrell Taylor, Quart’e Sapp and Daniel Bituli are highly experienced linebackers with a bevy of starts under their belts, and the team should also finally get Darrin Kirkland back after numerous injuries the past year and half.

The secondary was, unlike the rest of the team last year, absolutely outstanding in 2017, finishing No. 3 nationally against the pass (161.7 yards per game). They return both starters at safety in the form of Nigel Warrior (below) and Micah Abernathy, who finished second and third on the team in tackles last year with a combined 164, and there’s high expectations for young CBs Baylen Buchanan and Shawn Shamburger. The defense as a whole will really benefit from the presence of new coach Jeremy Pruitt, whose Alabama defenses finished #1 nationally in scoring defense each of the past two years.

Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

8. Texas A&M

2017 points allowed per game: 30.7

2018 projection: Better

Why? New DC Mike Elko is one of the best defensive coordinators in college football. He did wonders for Notre Dame in his one year in South Bend, taking them from No. 62 to No. 31 in scoring, with improved play along all three levels. He inherits a talent laden front seven in College Station, led by two potential All-American candidates in DE Landis Durham (55 tackles, 11 TFLs and 10.5 sacks) and LB Tyrel Dodson (104 tackles, 10 TFLs, 5.5 sacks and 3 INTs). Both could be in for big years in the new scheme, as could senior DTs Daylon Mack and Kingsley Keke. LB Otaro Alaka, with 33 career starts, also returns after a career year, finishing third on the team in tackles with 78 to go with 12 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. Quietly the Aggies have one of the best linebacking units in the SEC.

The secondary returns 3 of 4 starters in FS Derrick Tucker and CBs Debione Renfro and Charles Oliver, though they have to get better performance out of them this year after finishing No. 85 against the pass in 2017. Overall, it’ll be very intriguing to see what a bright and innovative defensive mind like Elko can do with the talented unit the Aggies will put forth on the field this fall.

7. South Carolina

2017 points allowed per game: 20.7

2018 projection: Worse

Why? The Gamecocks lost a lot of production, particularly in the back seven, and they’ll need talented but unproven guys to replace the lost production. While I think the scoring defense will be a tad worse than last year, I don’t think it will be that much worse, especially given the overall talent of the unit. The line features two potential All-SEC players in D.J. Wonnum and Javon Kinlaw. Wonnum (below) is the face of the defense with Skai Moore gone, and after putting up 13 TFLs and 6 sacks as a sophomore last year, it’s easy to see why.

Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The secondary has some experience returning with seniors Rashad Fenton, Keisean Nixon and Steven Montac, and FS Jamyest Williams has shown the most upside and playmaking ability. He could be on the verge of a breakout year. The depth behind them is very highly thought of and talented, but remarkably young and inexperienced. Injuries in the backend could be disastrous for the Gamecocks. If the defense as a whole can come close to replicating their prodigious turnover numbers from last year (forcing 2.2 per game last year), they’ll be in good shape overall.

6. LSU

2017 points allowed per game: 18.9

2018 projection: Worse

Why? Because they’re losing 9 of their top 13 leading tacklers, including standout defensive linemen like Arden Key (20 sacks past 3 years), Greg Gilmore (53 tackles, 10 TFLs and 7.5 sacks in 2017) and Christian LaCouture (66 tackles, 8.5 TFLs and 6 sacks in ’17). With that said, they’re still an unbelievably talented group led by arguably the best DC in the country in Dave Aranda, so a slight step back doesn’t mean they’re going to nosedive. The front seven should still be effective with Texas Tech transfer Breiden Fehoko now eligible and Rashard Lawrence healthy. Ed Alexander and K’Lavon Chaisson are high upside interior linemen. They also return arguably the best linebacker in the country in Devin White, who erupted last year for 133 tackles, 13.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks.

The secondary, which finished No. 21 nationally last year with 187.6 passing yards allowed per game, is absolutely loaded despite losing CB Donte Jackson to the NFL. Greedy Williams just might be the best cover corner in the country and finished 2017 tied for tops in the SEC with 6 INTs. John Battle and Grant Delpit make for one of the most dangerous safety tandems in the league. They were third and fourth on the team in tackles, combining for 121 with 6 TFLs and 2 picks. As is usually the case with LSU, whether it’s Les Miles or Ed Orgeron in charge, the Tigers have a championship-caliber defense and an offense filled with question marks.

5. Florida

2017 points allowed per game: 27.3

2018 projection: Better

Why? Because there’s far too much talent returning to all three levels, and new DC Todd Grantham is too smart of a play-caller to not use that talent creatively and effectively. Their front seven will be very deep with a bevy of pass rushers like Cece Jefferson (47 tackles, 13.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks), Jabari Zuniga (34 tackles, 8 TFLs and 4 sacks) and Jachai Polite (5.5 TFLs, 2 sacks), and they’ll all move around between DE and “Buck” OLB position, sometimes with their hands in the dirt, other times rushing from a 2-point stance. At linebacker, David Reese, who had offseason surgery on both wrists, returns after a very strong sophomore campaign where he led the team in tackles with 102, while adding 10 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and a pick.

The secondary returns arguably the most talented duo of starting corners in the SEC in Marco Wilson and C.J. Henderson, the latter of whom tied for a team high 4 INTs last year, 2 of which were returned for TDs. Chauncey Smith-Gardner (below) also returns, though he’ll play more NB this year than safety, like he did last year due to injuries. He’s a do-it-all playmaker who can stop the run, blitz off the edge and cause turnovers in coverage. The Gators are set at CB and NB, and have some decent depth there with Trey Dean and Brian Edwards, but safety is a major concern. They can ill afford injuries in the defensive backfield this year.

Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4. Mississippi State

2017 points allowed per game: 20.9

2018 projection: Better

Why? It’s one of the most talented starting lineups in the country and they return 7 of their top 9 leading tacklers, their top 5 pass rushers and the majority of their secondary. The line especially is dangerous, led by All-American candidates in Montez Sweat (48 tackles, 15.5 TFLs, 10.5 sacks) and Jeffery Simmons (60 tackles, 12 TFLs, 5 sacks, 2 FFs and 2 fumble recoveries). Gerri Green (11 TFLs and 5 sacks) shouldn’t have any problems at DE in the new 4-2-5 scheme after playing OLB last year. Leo Lewis returns at LB after starting the past 25 games, and Erroll Thompson also returns after a breakout freshman campaign where he tallied 46 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks.

The secondary, which finished No. 12 nationally and fourth in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game with 174.7, returns both starters at safety, including Mark McLaurin, who finished last year with 6 INTs, tied for most in the conference. Cam Dantzler, Jamal Peters and Chris Rayford make for an excellent CB trio and Brian Cole has earned rave reviews at NB. New DC Bob Shoop, who oversaw the No. 1 passing defense of the SEC last year at Tennessee, should keep things rolling in Starkville. This is probably the best defense Mississippi State has had since the 1999 squad, which only gave up 13 points per game, good for third nationally.

3. Alabama

2017 points allowed per game: 11.9

2018 projection: Worse

Why? Because it’s unrealistic to believe that a unit losing three first-round picks and eight draft picks overall, including their top 6 DBs and their defensive coordinator, will be giving up 11.9 points per game or fewer again.

With that said, it’s still the most talented roster top-to-bottom in the country and they still have the greatest college football coach at the wheel, so don’t expect too much of a drop. They return arguably the best defensive lineman in college football in DE/DT Raekwon Davis (69 tackles, 10 TFLs, 8.5 sacks and 1 INT), as well as DE Isaiah Buggs, who is criminally underrated. The linebacking corps returns Mack Wilson (4 INTs last year) and Dylan Moses at ILB, two very fast and athletic guys with sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability, and Christian Miller and Anfernee Jennings at OLB — two gifted pass rushers. The biggest concern for the linebacking unit is being able to stay healthy, as they’ve already lost Terrell Lewis to a torn ACL, and Jamey Mosley has been battling a shoulder injury.

The secondary is the question mark, breaking in a sea of fresh faces. Granted, the fresh faces are a bunch of former 4- and 5-star recruits, so the next wave of first-round picks and All-Americans are likely already on the roster. Trevon Diggs and Saivion Smith will take over at CB, Shyheim Carter will take over at “Star,” and Deionte Thompson and Xavier McKinney will take over the safety positions. There’s talent in the secondary, but it’s unproven. The defense as a whole is very deep and athletically gifted – they just need to get more experience.

2. Georgia

2017 points per game allowed: 16.4

2018 projection: Worse

Why? Similarly to Alabama, it’s a bit unrealistic to lose stars like Roquan Smith (137 tackles, 14 TFLs, 6.5 sacks), Lorenzo Carter (62 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 3 FFs) and Davin Bellamy (7.5 TFLs, 5 sacks, 2 FFs) in addition to quality vets like Dominick Sanders (4 INTs), John Atkins, Trent Thompson, Aaron Davis, etc., and still be No. 6 (or better) in scoring defense.

Just like Alabama, however, the guys replacing the lost talent are very talented players who just need seasoning. Jonathan Ledbetter (5.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks) and Tyler Clark (6 TFLs, 2.5 sacks) are back at DE and there are high hopes for Julian Rochester at the nose. D’Andre Walker (39 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks), arguably their most consistent pass rusher, is slated to finally start at OLB. Walter Grant and Monty Rice are gifted sophomores who could breakout this year at linebacker.

The secondary returns two stars in CB Deandre Baker (44 tackles, 3 INTs) and safety J.R. Reed (79 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FR and a FF). Both will contend for All-American honors this year. CBs Tyrique McGhee and Ameer Speed are high upside guys who have flashed playmaking potential and Richard LeCounte, a top-25 player overall in the 2017 recruiting class, has high expectations as he steps into the starting lineup. By years end, this defense could be one of the best in the country.

Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

1. Auburn

2017 points allowed per game: 18.5

2018 projection: Better

Why? They’re talented and experienced. That’s what sets this starting defense apart from most others, which have talent or experience. Auburn has both, and at all three levels.

The line is one of the best in the country with returning starters Derrick Brown (57 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 FFs), Marlon Davidson (42 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3 sacks) and Dontavius Russell (46 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 3 sacks). Brown is an athletic freak with first-round talent. There’s quality depth up front with Nick Coe (4.5 TFLs, 2 sacks) Tyrone Truesdell and Andrew Williams. T.D. Moultry is expected to explode at the “Buck” edge rushing position. The linebackers return 3 seniors with a plethora of experience returning, led by All-American candidate Deshaun Davis (82 tackles, 7 TFLs, 4 sacks, 2 FRs), who is the heart and soul of the defense. The run defense, which was fifth in the SEC with 137 yards allowed per game, should be far better.

The secondary, which was No. 18 nationally last year with 182.4 yards allowed per game, should likewise be even better, with guys like Jamel Dean, Javaris Davis, Jeremiah Dinson and Daniel Thomas returning. Dean is as athletically gifted as any corner in the SEC, with great size at 6-2, 215. Davis will be a great fit at NB with his strength against the run and short area quickness. Noah Igbinoghene, who is also a star on the track team, has flashed serious playmaking potential at CB and Dinson and Thomas are fast and physical ballhawks with experience at CB and NB, in addition to safety. This is a defense with a starting lineup that can compare with anyone in the country, and it has experience to boot. To say this is a championship caliber defense would be an understatement.