This statement should surprise no one familiar with college football of late—Texas Christian is an excellent defensive team. For the second time in four years Dick Bumpas’ Horned Frogs’ defense is competing to be the nation’s best. Despite a brutal schedule that included games against Oklahoma, BYU and Utah, TCU, ranked 11th in the BCS Standings, tops the nation in run defense (48.7 yards per game) while placing second in total defense (215.1 yards per game), scoring defense (10.9 points per game) and sacks (41). The Horned Frogs are fourth in pass defense efficiency (96.1).

TCU, 10-2, which is awaiting a bowl assignment, lost to teams (Oklahoma and Utah) with a combined record of 23-1. And the Horned Frogs found this success thanks to Bumpas’ dominating defense, which leads the Mountain West in seven categories (total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense, passing defense, sacks, tackles for loss and turnovers). In seven of TCU’s 12 games the Frogs allowed seven points or fewer.

While also serving as the Frogs’ defensive line coach, Bumpas mentors Jerry Hughes. After coming to TCU as a tailback, Hughes was converted to defensive end. He leads the nation with 14 sacks and six forced fumbles while ranking in the top 10 with 18.5 tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries. He also has two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. Hughes is one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player. He is also one of 15 “Players to Watch” (and one of just five defensive players) for the Walter Camp Football Foundation’s 2008 Player of the Year award.

But Hughes is not the only TCU player who excelled only after Bumpas taught him a new position. Defensive end Matt Panfil, who was Mountain West defensive player of the week after a 31-14 win over Stanford, was originally a safety. And defensive tackle Cody Moore, who has six sacks this season, was originally a running back in high school. In fact, only one of four starting defensive linemen knew how to play the position before being introduced to Bumpas. Jason Phillips leads the team with 79 tackles, including 12 for a loss.

The learning curve for these players has been steep, because Bumpas has had success ever since he came to TCU. Bumpas is now in his fifth season with the Frogs. In 2006, TCU ranked second nationally in run defense and total defense while placing third in scoring defense. The 2005 Frogs led the nation in turnover margin, interceptions and takeaways.

Bumpas was a consensus All-American tackle for Arkansas and the 1970 Southwest Conference defensive player of the year. In a coaching career that has spanned over 30 years, Bumpas has won championships in four different conferences. Later this month, he’ll coach in his 14th bowl game, and you can bet it will be low scoring.