You must mean 2003 and 2007 and not 03 through 07, because I remember some examples of bad defense from 2004 and 2006. I wouldn't call the defenses "great" for that entire time, I'd call the defense those years "good" though, but Clemson's looked just as good IMO.

How does top ten in almost everything mean 2nd tier?

Link?

opponent 3rd down conversion

LSU - 17th
Tennessee - 49th
Clemson - 56th

Huh. I remember some examples of really bad defense in 2007...namely the entire second half of the season. Despite giving up some big plays at very inopportune times, I'd say that the '04 & '06 defenses were a heck of a lot more consistent than the '07 defense.

I should have some some of the highest. no clue how bad but they are both bad in that dept.

I remember reading the 3rd down stat somewhere too. That is a concern, and I hope it's not some fundamental flaw in their schemes. We didn't do too well on 3rd down this year.

Or 1st or 2nd down, for that matter.

apparently.

but hey we actually ranked 18th in total 1st downs allowed.

well whatever the case may be, calling the 2004 and 2006 defenses great is just as farcical.

People who clamor for the aggressive D scheme must forget the 5 TDs from David Greene on like 12 completions, or the numerous wide open RBs to come out of the backfield vs. those defenses.

As I said, there is no right or wrong way to run a defense, as long as you execute effectively.

um, we finished 3rd in the country in total D from '04 through '07
'04 and '06 defenses gave up fewer yards per game than '05 or '07

'06 defense finished 4th in the country in scoring D, giving up a full TD less per game than '07