Pass defense will play key role in SEC title race

By Steve Megargee

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Oct. 10 2012 11:45 a.m. MDT

FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2012, file photo, Mississippi State defensive back Johnthan Banks (13) runs past the blocking of teammate linebacker Cameron Lawrence (10) after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against South Alabama in Starkville, Miss. The backbone of No. 19 Mississippi State's success is a defensive secondary that's among the nation's most experienced. The starting four have combined for 37 career interceptions, including eight returned for touchdowns.

Rogelio V. Solis, File, Associated Press

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Summary

fense quietly has played a major role in who wins the national title.

Pass defense quietly has played a major role in who wins the national title.

During the Southeastern Conference's run of six consecutive championships, five of those champions ranked among the top two teams in the conference and the top four teams nationwide in pass efficiency defense.

The run-first SEC isn't known for throwing the ball all over the field, though that is changing. But SEC quarterbacks are effective when they do throw.

South Carolina's Connor Shaw and Alabama's A.J. McCarron are two of the nation's most efficient passers, and they could end up meeting in the SEC championship game.

Who wins the matchup — or even the chances of such a matchup occurring — likely depends on how well their respective teams defend the pass.

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