The country's best defense is in Austin, and Steve Sarkisian likes the sound of that

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns have, at least from a statistical standpoint, the best defense in big-time college football. A certain sports cliche alludes to what a good defense can mean for a team's season.

Following the Longhorns' 20-10 win over Arkansas last week, No. 3 Texas lowered its yards allowed per game average to 249 yards per game, the best in FBS and almost two yards better than No. 2 Ohio State. Texas is also the only team in FBS that allows less than four yards per play.

Long seen as an offensive-minded coach (he was a terrific quarterback in his day, after all), Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian can't stop smiling when someone asks him about his defense. It was an Achilles heel for his team in the first two years at the 40 Acres, and now it's perhaps its biggest strength.

"When you're trying to play great defensive football, it's as much of a mindset as it is schematically. I don't think our guys believe that anyone can move the ball on them, or can score on them," he said. "That's a beautiful thing to watch. Even in practice, we're in a walkthrough and have the mindset of fitting a run the right way and holding each other accountable. Those are the little things I enjoy seeing as a head coach."

From Sarkisian's perspective, it has been a group effort. A good blend of continuity in the coaching staff, recent additions and player buy-in have all contributed. Defensive lineman Alfred Collins has been playing out of his mind that past few weeks and was named the Southeastern Conference defensive lineman of the week after his performance against the Razorbacks, and defensive back Jahdae Barron continues his path to a potential Jim Thorpe Award finalist honor as the SEC's co-defensive player of the week.

With Blake Gideon, Terry Joseph and Pete Kwiatkowski around from his original staff, and the hires of Kenny Baker and Johnny Nansen this past season, the brain trust for an elite defense is in place. Texas is tied for No. 7 in FBS with 15 interceptions and allows the fewest passing yards per game in the entire country.

Sarkisian said he's built a connection with the defense, and in some respects, he has a better rapport with them than the offense because he makes it a point to be with them more often.

All of the numbers and accolades don't mean much unless the Longhorns put them to practice, however, and that starts again against the Kentucky Wildcats. Don't let their 1-6 SEC record think they can't show up to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium and steal a win and thwart Texas' SEC title game hopes. Sarkisian certainly doesn't take them lightly.

"I have a ton of respect for Coach (Mark) Stoops," he said. "They're going to grind you defensively, and when they get their opportunities in the fourth quarter, they're going to take their shots offensively. That's what happened in the Ole Miss game and they tried their best to do that against Georgia and Tennessee. They are a very talented defensive football team with NFL guys all over the place."

Early injury update

Sarkisian said "hopefully" linebacker Mo Blackwell and receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. will be ready to go Saturday. He said Moore got nicked up during the Arkansas game and Blackwell wasn't available, but the hope is that they'll be able to play against Kentucky. Runnig back Jaydon Blue was in a sling after the game last week, but Sarkisian said he was "good," and practiced Monday.