OSU's defense is actually pretty legit and doesn't get the recognition it deserves. The only reason we gave up so many yards/points is because we were putting up just as many in a quick fashion. This site is like the college football version of Pomeroy and has us as the #23 defense last year (
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/feidef2010).
I think the defense order should be:
1. OU - The gap is closing with the major losses this offseason. They are weakest in the secondary and their LB corps has lost 2 starters. Still very strong on the line which gives them the edge.
2. A&M - This rank isn't so much about the players they have as much as it is the DC that they have. They seem to be in the right place at the right time and have a pretty strong secondary.
3. OSU - Lots of depth in the secondary and big lack of depth on the line. LB corps is very young but have lots of potential (won Defensive Freshman of the Year last year).
4. Mizzou - Really don't hear much about their defense outside of Madison on the line. I don't expect a whole lot from them. Now playing more of the offensive South teams, will expose their defense
5. Texas - They have the best players in the league, but still find a way to underperform. Only reason they are this high is because they seem to have a very defensive state of mind.
6. Tech - Really young, but lots of talent. They had a really good recruiting year, especially on the defensive line. Tuberville knows defense from his days in Auburn, give them a few more years to slowly move up the line.
7. & 8. KSU/ISU - The 2 are pretty interchangeable. ISU has the best LB corps in the league and that's about all. KSU has a few good players in the secondary and LB and that's about all.
9. Baylor - Just like Texas is defensive minded, Baylor is offensive minded. They are usually pretty potent on offense, but lose games because they can't play defense. Nothing has changed.
10. Kansas - Why are they in this conference? Only good thing is they are putting another LB out there this year which happens to be their strongest facet of the defense (but not saying much).