The Big 12 doesn't play defense.
While we hear that narrative each year, some Big 12 defenders, like Oklahoma cornerback Zack Sanchez, maintain that other conferences don't play offense. And considering half the conference finished among the national leaders in points per game, Sanchez has a point.
Nonetheless, good defense in the Big 12 can be hard to measure. Total numbers are pretty much obsolete in a conference which features high tempo offenses looking to get as many plays per game as possible. With the help of ESPN Stats and Information, here's a look at the Big 12 rankings in five key defensive categories in conference play only.