Defense---2003 vs 2011,(ETA 2007 also) a statistical comparison through 3 games

ETA: 2007 stats have been added


So, watching this year's insane performance by our defense had me wondering: Who is better, statistically, through 3 games? 2003 Tigers first 3 games were against ULM, Arizona, and N. Illinois. So this year's team definitely has a tougher schedule through 3 games. Here is the statistical breakdown (sorry about the formatting):

2011 vs 2003 LSU Defense (thru 3 games)

2003 2007 2011

Total Yards 630 385 623

Points 27 7 36

Rushing Yards 163 90 143

YPR 2.1 0.99 1.6

Passing Yards 467 295 480

YPP 4.4 3.8 4.4

Fum Recovered 1 2 3

INT 6 7 4

Sacks 6 13 6

Tackles for loss 20 28 31

After looking at the stats, I was actually quite surprised to find that the 2007 team was better than 2003 (through 3 games) in virtually every defensive category, and played a much tougher schedule. It looks like 2011's version might fall somewhere in the middle of these 2 teams, and if the numbers hold up and we do turn out to be that solid, it is gonna be one hell of a ride.

Note: The 2007 team started out on fire, but towards the end of the season they were gashed a couple of times. I may revisit this later in the season to see where we stand up against the 2 championship teams after SEC play.