[pcgoode]

Statistics can be made to show just about anything you want - context is important. On that note, remember that the Cardinal did not trail in a game in 2011 until they played SC. Teams that are trailing will usually throw the ball more than they would otherwise, which I think makes the Cardinal numbers vs the pass look better.  Also, remember this is the PAC 12, aka the conference of quarterbacks, which may make their defensive stats vs the pass look a little more impressive compared to other teams outside the conference.

On the down side, the Cardinal D didn't exactly overwhelm its opposition with interceptions in 2011. I think I saw one of the coaches (Shaw?) in a post-season interview as saying this would need to improve.

[pcgoode]

Statistics can be made to show just about anything you want - context is important. On that note, remember that the Cardinal did not trail in a game in 2011 until they played SC. Teams that are trailing will usually throw the ball more than they would otherwise, which I think makes the Cardinal numbers vs the pass look better.  Also, remember this is the PAC 12, aka the conference of quarterbacks, which may make their defensive stats vs the pass look a little more impressive compared to other teams outside the conference.

On the down side, the Cardinal D didn't exactly overwhelm its opposition with interceptions in 2011. I think I saw one of the coaches (Shaw?) in a post-season interview as saying this would need to improve.