Has revived an Indiana defense that ranked 98th in scoring defense and 85th in total defense in 2023 into a top-5 defense in just one season. His unit has limited opponents to under 100-yards rushing on seven occasions (10 games) in 2024, which is a program record (since 1950), and leads the FBS in rushing defense (72.2). His aggressive style of play helps IU rank top-15 nationally with a Big Ten-best 73.0 tackles for loss and 31.0 sacks on the season. Per Pro Football Focus, Indiana has the No. 2 rated defense in the nation (94.1), behind only Ohio State. Overall, the defense has allowed 20-plus points on just two occasions in 2024 and held the opposition to under 300-yards of total offense six times in 10 games and allowed one touchdown or fewer in six games. His defense has led the nation in rushing defense in each of the last two regular seasons. His ability to adjust in-game has been a plus for IU, as well, and none more impressive than holding Michigan State to 193 yards of total offense - including a program-record minus-36 yards rushing - after the Spartans gained 123 yards on the first two offensive drives of the game (70 yards on its next 10 drives - 7.0 yards per drive).
