Much has been made this week about Wittenberg bringing the nation's No. 1 defense into Perkins Stadium. With due respect to Tiger fans, the Warhawks' defense isn't too shabby either being ranked No. 3 in this week's Division III national statistics.

Wittenberg ranks first in scoring defense at seven points a game. Whitewater ranks third giving up only eight points a game.

Wittenberg has given up 11 TDs - Whitewater 13 TDs this season.

Wittenberg is giving up just 172 yards per game - Whitewater 233 yards per game.

(In the adjacent photo - the Warhawk defense, led by Zach Christopherson and Matt McCulloch, with Lane Olson and Kyle Supianoski lending support - blow up a play in last week's playoff win vs. Illinois Wesleyan - photo courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

UW-Whitewater has been more efficient with its red zone defense. The Hawks rank sixth in the nation giving up points just 52% of the time. Wittenberg ranks 42nd in the country giving up points 67% of its opponents trips inside the 20 yard line.

Statistics can also relect the overall strength of a conference. While Wittenberg's defense has been ranked No. 1 in Division III all season long, Whitewater has been right behind in the top five nationally.

One important thing to remember is statistics don't win football games - play on the field wins football games.

Wittenberg and Whitewater's defenses will have a lot to say on which team will advance to NCAA Division III semifinal action next week.