I think the one thing about that defense, or better yet, that game...was that I don't think I've ever seen a more glaring endorsement for a playoff system. Meaning...settle the shit on the field. Anyone who followed that game recalls how it was a foregone conclusion that Miami, the baddest mofos in the history of college football, would have a double digit cakewalk. They had the Swagga. It was a mismatch talent wise of epic proportions. Hype doesn't prove a damn thing. The scoreboard does.
Defensively, I'd put our 87' team up there with some of the best evah. SHOULD have played for the MNC had it not been for one decision to go prevent defense against LSU on the last drive of the game....when they hadn't crossed midfield the entire second half. If memory serves, Auburn allowed that 1 TD to LSU then promptly ran off 4 straight shut outs after that.