Why Big 12 defenses might be underrated

When people dismiss Big 12 defenses they typically do so for three main reasons:

1. Big 12 defenses give up a ton of points
2. Big 12 recruiting rankings are generally lower and regional demographics don’t always supply tons of big, powerful athletes of the sort that make for great defenders.
3. The Big 12 doesn’t have consistently high-ranked defenses these days.

However, I think Big 12 defenses are getting a bad rap, even in really good adjusted stats metrics like Bill Connelly’s S&P+. I explained why over at Football Study Hall.