From November, through the end of the 2014 campaign, when our schedule was most difficult, Georgia Tech ranked 14th among Power 5 teams in opponents' Total QBR (31.7), 21st in rushing yards allowed per game (138.8), fourth in interceptions (9), and 11th in points allowed per game (22.3). These numbers are notable because eight starters return on this platoon (tied for the most in the ACC), including impact candidates in the secondary D.J. White and Jamal Golden and Paul Davis at Linebacker PLUS Jabari Hunt-Days returns.
If THESE numbers don't provide some "evidence" that our Defense made great strides under Ted Roof, I don't know what will convince you.
I am feebly attempting a do-over because my first response was way more abrupt, even dismissive, and that was not what I intended, so I apologize. It added nothing to the discussion. So yes, we have to show something this season, no question. While I recognize we improved in some areas and games -- who could complain about the second half of FSU? And while Georgia did score to go ahead in regulation, it was 4th down, which is something, and we did get that OT pick; I agree that MSU's yardage was mostly in the middle of the field but it was 600+ yards (and I might be in the minority, I just could not get exercised with Dak Prescott. I just couldn't and still can't. In our last three games we gave up 100 points, and while Clemson was an outstanding effort, who really thinks it would have been six points had Wilson had not been hurt early? In my mind it was going to go to a shootout at the end and while I thought we had the better team, it could have been 35-28 or so, pick 'em. I am not sure those picks would have happened with Wilson, but give the defense credit. They played very well.
I know the D is more experienced. Granted. But it seems to me a lot of hope is being put in Hunt-Days, both in that he will be eligible and that he will play at the level some good football people on the board think he is capable of. I just want to see both.
In n this era of faster offensive play and more plays, and more spreads and passing, what might pass for a dominant defense might be the one that holds teams to 21-24 points. If we get into that range we're going to win a lot of games. So what I was ineptly trying to say was that I hope the defense is better, I want it to be, and all those "ifs" put to rest". It has to be this season.