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Last season we saw some outstanding defensive performances from Big Ten teams, especially when it came to pass defense. The conference had four teams in the top 15 for interceptions, four in the top 25 for sacks and five teams in the top 25 for pass breakups. Teams within the conference are hoping to duplicate that production this season and continue to disrupt opposing offenses. Which team, though, will have the best pass defense in the conference? We continue our look at the best defensive groups within the Big Ten by answering that question.  Best of the best: Wisconsin is losing cornerback Sojourn Shelton and safety Leo Musso, a duo that accounted for nine interceptions, but this should be an outstanding unit as a whole.
The Badgers’ defense led the conference last season in interceptions, had the second-most pass breakups, the second-best third-down conversion percentage on passes, the second-best touchdown-to-interception ratio and the third-best opponent passer efficiency rating. Losing Shelton, Musso and linebacker T.J. Watt will sting, but there is still plenty to work with remaining on this defense. Safety D'Cota Dixon and cornerback Derrick Tindal return, and Wisconsin is adding Hawaii cornerback transfer Nick Nelson. Outside of the secondary, the staff also has linebacker T.J. Edwards and defensive end Chikwe Obasih coming back and is adding junior college defensive end Andrew Van Ginkel. Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard should have this unit rolling again this season. Next in line: Ohio State lost a ton of production in the secondary to the NFL draft with Malik Hooker, Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore moving on, but there is still a ton of talent on this roster. Putting Ohio State in this spot is somewhat of a projection based on potential, but the staff has proven they can bring in new faces season after season without skipping a beat. What will help the Buckeyes offset some of the losses in the secondary is how many returning starters they have along the defensive line. The pass rush next season should be outstanding, as most of the starting defensive line is back this season, as are as linebackers Chris Worley and Jerome Baker. On top of that, Ohio State recruited some of the top defensive backs in the 2017 class, including five-stars Jeffrey Okudah and Shaun Wade. The staff also added junior college corner Kendall Sheffield, and all three should be able to contribute this season to help keep this pass defense in top shape. Don’t sleep on: Northwestern is in under the radar this season, but the Wildcats return a ton of starters on defense. Cornerback Montre Hartage led the team in interceptions last season and will be back to try to top his five picks from 2016. Safeties Godwin Igwebuike and Kyle Queiro are also returning, along with cornerback Keith Watkins II, which should equate to a tough secondary on the field. Indiana is in a similar boat, returning five starting defensive backs as well as team sack leader Tegray Scales. The Hoosiers made some impressive leaps under now head coach Tom Allen, who was leading the defense in 2016. If Allen can continue to improve and develop his players, Indiana could have a solid pass defense in 2017.
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