[Goose]

Not only is there evidence the DL and defense was being undervalued, but it actually seems as though it can be better than even I thought was possible.

I think you were absolutely correct that the defense, particularly the DL is turning out to be better than most of us feared it would be. It is truly an example of a team effort producing better results than a single individual star.
That said, the SC offensive line has not been good this year. We still have not played against a really "top level" line. However, what we do know by now is that the DL is not a disaster. It is at least serviceable, and maybe much better than that. That is probably enough to take us to lots of wins. Oregon will pose a different kind of challenge because of their scheme. However, we do have enough speed at linebacker to match up well against their offense.
ND and Washington will be much more challenging tests of the DL. Right now, Wimbush has been ineffective in the air and great on the ground. By the time we play ND, either they will be more balanced or Wimbush will be out injured. In any case, stopping the run appears to be critical against ND in that it is all they seem to have right now. Washington, whatever their faults, is much better balanced. That will be a real test.

[Goose]

Not only is there evidence the DL and defense was being undervalued, but it actually seems as though it can be better than even I thought was possible.

I think you were absolutely correct that the defense, particularly the DL is turning out to be better than most of us feared it would be. It is truly an example of a team effort producing better results than a single individual star.
That said, the SC offensive line has not been good this year. We still have not played against a really "top level" line. However, what we do know by now is that the DL is not a disaster. It is at least serviceable, and maybe much better than that. That is probably enough to take us to lots of wins. Oregon will pose a different kind of challenge because of their scheme. However, we do have enough speed at linebacker to match up well against their offense.
ND and Washington will be much more challenging tests of the DL. Right now, Wimbush has been ineffective in the air and great on the ground. By the time we play ND, either they will be more balanced or Wimbush will be out injured. In any case, stopping the run appears to be critical against ND in that it is all they seem to have right now. Washington, whatever their faults, is much better balanced. That will be a real test.