Nebraska finished first in the Big 12 and 18th nationally in scoring defense in 2007–08, allowing just 60.7 points per game. Sadler's specialty was highlighted again in 2008–09 as the Huskers proved it was no fluke, claiming another first-place defense in the league while ranking 22nd nationally by giving up just 60.4 points per contest. It was the second-lowest total in the Husker record book since 1951, giving Sadler-coached squads three of the top four Husker scoring defenses in the past half century. In 2010–11, Nebraska led the Big 12 for the third time in four seasons, allowing just 60.5 points per game and ranking seventh nationally in field goal defense (.389).