Defense ranks in the top 10 in all of the FBS in defensive touchdowns (2nd), rushing defense (6th), passes intercepted (9th) and turnovers gained (10th) ... defense has held teams to fewer than 20 points in a game four times this year (4-0) ... defense has allowed SMU to outscore teams 236-105 (23.6-10.5) in the first half of games this year, which is undefeated in ACC play when leading at the half ... has recorded six games as a defense forcing multiple turnovers ... SMU's 92.3 defensive grade by PFF is tied for ninth best in all of FBS ... ranks in the top 3 in the ACC in conference-only stats in red zone defense (1st, 66.7), scoring defense (2nd, 22.2), rushing defense (2nd, 101.5), passing defensive efficiency (2nd, 118.9), opponent fourth down conversion percentage (2nd, 40.9), opponent third down conversion percentage (3rd, 32.2) ... have allowed only two opponents to have a 300-yard passer this year ... has held teams to 300 total yards or less four times ... has held teams to 100 yards or fewer rushing five times (5-0).
