What are Defensive Per Play Efficiency Metrics? They are the resistance each defense exerts before the opposing offense scores 1 point. It involves rush defense efficiency, pass defense efficiency, turnover frequency, penalty rate, etc. This is not a metric in points per game because every game has a differing amount of plays ran hence a differing amount of opportunities for the offense to score. These metrics focus on what is achieved in one single play. The higher the index number, the better the defense.
Top Conferences in Defensive Per Play Efficiency
Big Ten, 53.6
SEC, 49.8
ACC, 49.2
Sun Belt, 44.3
Big 12, 37.5
American, 35.9
Pac 12, 35.7
MAC, 35.6
Mountain West, 33.1
CUSA, 25.9
Top Conferences in Defensive Pace of Play (Plays defended per game)
Big 12, 76.1
American, 74.2
Sun Belt, 73.7
Pac 12, 73.2
CUSA, 73.0
MAC, 72.1
SEC, 71.7
Mountain West, 70.4
ACC, 70.2
Big Ten, 69.9
