Washington Huskies Steve Belichick Leads Elite Defense Into Oregon Ducks Rivalry Game

The Oregon Ducks are one game away from an undefeated regular season. The only obstacle remaining is the top-20-ranked Washington Huskies defense led by Steve Belichick, son of legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick.

Aug 19, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (left) and Steve Belichick, linebackers coach (right) watch the in stadium displays during the first half of a preseason against the Carolina Panthers game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The No. 1 ranked Oregon Ducks are 11-0, have locked up a spot in Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship Game, and have virtually secured an appearance in the College Football Playoff. So, what’s there to play for this Saturday against the 6-5 Washington Huskies? Pride, first and foremost. The Huskies are boasting a three-game win streak in the game history. 

Next? The challenge ahead is the Washington defense led by defensive coordinator Steve Belichick. Yes, that Belichick. Steve is the son of former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who led what many consider one of the greatest dynasties in all of professional sports during his tenure, including six Super Bowl victories. 

Nov 6, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebackers coach Steve Belichick during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images / Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Belichick has an impressive résumé as a coach despite only being 37 years old. After his four-year playing career as a member of the Rutgers University lacrosse team, Belichick joined the Rutgers football team as a long snapper. Post-playing career, he joined the New England Patriots staff as a defensive assistant from 12-'15. Belichick was promoted to safeties coach from 16-‘18, then worked with the linebackers from 19-‘23 until he accepted the defensive coordinator job at Washington. 

The Huskies' defense ranks No. 19 in the country in total defense and only allows 312 yards per game. Their passing defense is amongst the very best in the nation, ranking fifth overall in that category. An impressive 160.5 yards is all they have allowed through 11 games. Their scoring defense is ranked 27th, allowing only 20.45 points per game. 

If there’s an area where the Huskies' defense has struggled, it’s on third downs. For as good as their defense has been, they only rank 99th in the country in third-down conversion percentage. Their run defense is average, sitting 75th overall out of 132 eligible FBS programs, giving up 152.3 yards per game on the ground. 

“We’re all building and getting to know each other better and I think it will only keep growing.”🙌@UW_Football DC Steve Belichick on the importance of building relationships with the players. #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/osxXdT1UGZ

— Washington on BTN (@WashingtonOnBTN) August 3, 2024

The Oregon rushing attack led by running back Jordan James will be integral in this contest. Staying ahead of the sticks with the quick passing game has been key for the Ducks this season, and that won’t change this Saturday. Getting tough yards in short-distance situations should be a focus this week. In the games the Huskies have struggled in this season, opposing teams have been able to wear them down in the run game and capitalize in the red zone.

The Huskies, who were Pac-12 Champions and in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, lost most of their staff when coach Kalen DeBoer left to take over for Nick Saban as the head man at the University of Alabama. The Huskies being bowl-eligible, considering all their losses, is impressive, and they don’t have anything to lose in this game. The Ducks should expect the kitchen sink to be thrown at them on both sides of the ball. 

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