Lovett, Chizik, Gibbs and Muschamp

[StatTiger 3,188]

Ranking our defense over the last 25 years...

Rate- Year

1.80- 1988

4.60- 1986

6.00- 1987

6.80- 1989

7.60- 1992

7.80- 1990

11.60- 1981

11.80- 2004-Chizik

12.40- 2003-Chizik

13.00- 1994

14.00- 1993

15.00- 1982

15.20- 1983

15.80- 1985

17.00- 2000-Lovett

17.40- 1991

17.80- 2002-Chizik

19.00- 2005-Gibbs

19.00- 1998-Oliver

19.20- 1999-Lovett

19.40- 1997-Oliver

20.80- 1984

22.40- 1996-Oliver

23.20- 1995

23.40- 2001-Lovett

Last season, Gibbs defense finished at #20 in yards allowed per rush. #22 in terms of pass completion pct and #16 in yards allowed per pass attempt. They were #22 in yards allowed per play and 15th in points allowed per game. Of the five categories, Auburn's 2005 defense had an overall ranking of 19.00, which placed them at 18th best over the last 25 seasons.

Top 6 defenses were under Wayne Hall but in all fairness, the game has changed quite a bit on the offensive side of the ball.

Coach Bill Oliver's defenses did not rank high on the list but they did improve every year he was there.

Coach John Lovett took over a defense, which finished at #19 on the list ( 1998 ) and dropped to #20 in 1999, improved to #15 in 2000 but dropped to #25 in 2001.

Coach Gene Chizik took over a defense, which finished at #25 on the list (2001), improved to #17 in 2002, #9 in 2003 and #8 in 2004. Like Oliver, his defenses improved every year.

Coach David Gibbs took over the 8th best defense on the list and dropped to 18th best on the list. In all fairness to Gibbs, he was here for only one season so it's difficult to see what he could have accomplished over a three-year period.

Muschamp is now on deck...

War Eagle / Happy Fathers Day!

[quietfan 233]

Once again, good work Stat!

I was thinking the 1983 defense would rank higher, but I'll take your numbers over my 23-year-old memories any time.

[StatTiger 3,188]

Once again, good work Stat!

I was thinking the 1983 defense would rank higher, but I'll take your numbers over my 23-year-old memories any time.

241276[/snapback]

A key figure missing from my rankings is strength of schedule. No team on that list of 25 played a tougher schedule than the 1983 squad. Your memory is fine, we did have a solid defense in 1983.

[StatTiger 3,188]

Once again, good work Stat!

I was thinking the 1983 defense would rank higher, but I'll take your numbers over my 23-year-old memories any time.

241276[/snapback]

Here are the rankings against D1 opponents with a winning record...

Year Rating

1988 1.0

1983 4.5

2004 5.3

1981 6.3

1992 6.5

1986 6.8

1987 8.5

1998 8.5

1990 9.0

2002 9.5

2003 9.8

1989 10.0

1985 13.8

2001 14.0

2005 15.3

1982 15.3

1997 15.8

1984 16.8

1994 18.5

1999 19.8

1995 19.8

2000 20.3

1993 23.0

1991 23.3

1996 24.3

[quietfan 233]

Thanks! Glad to know my Alzeihmer's isn't full-blown yet!

[ProgRock 0]

I know the game may have changed but my memory hasn't..Wayne Hall...still rules!!!!

[OKieAuburnDoug 1]

Chizik was awesome..Muschamp WILL be but Gibbs needed a timeup after each play practically to call in the schemes!