Inside The Huskies

Washington Defense Has Chance To Toughen Up Against Arizona State

The Huskies gave up a lot of yards and points in win over Oregon.

Roman Tomashoff

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After allowing season highs in both yards and points against the Oregon Ducks — 541 and 33, respectively — the Washington Huskies defense has an opportunity to solidify itself against the Arizona State Sun Devils. 

Coach Kenny Dillingham's offense is last in the Pac-12 in scoring, averaging 18.7 points per game. The Sun Devils also are running the ball for just 85.1 yards per game, likewise the fewest in the Pac-12.

Statistically, the Huskies have fielded an average defense this season, but have been good at keeping opponents out of the end zone. Permitting 20.8 points per game, Washington's defense has done enough to help the team build a 6-0 record and earn its No. 5 ranking in the AP poll.

The pass rush has struggled to get opposing quarterbacks on the ground this season, recording only 7 sacks at the halfway point of the season. Edge rushers Bralen Trice and Zion Tupuola-Fetui have done a good job in pressuring signal-callers, but haven't been able to finish off most of those plays.

Arizona State's offensive line has been one of the worst in the conference, enabling 22 sacks over the team's six games. Washington needs to find a way to get after the passer and take advantage.

With eight interceptions, the Huskies have improved in forcing turnovers. However, they didn't come up with one against Oregon and cornerback Jabbar Muhammad said the team needs to do a better job moving forward.

"We didn't get any, but we want to be greedy at all times," Muhammad said.

Muhammad went on to say the team has spent extra time on tackling drills this week after Oregon running backs Bucky Irving and Jordan James were able to evade the first tackler on most attempts.

During their coming matchup with the Sun Devils, the Huskies will need to do a better job of wrapping up and getting ball carriers on the ground without allowing them to escape for those extra yards.

These fixes are necessary for Washington to make a run at a Pac-12 championship and beyond. The offense has been one of the best in the nation, but the defense still needs improvement over the second half of the season to make a push for lofty team goals.

In coming games, the Huskies have plenty of opportunities to tighten up the defense. Four of Washington's next six opponents are ranked in the bottom half of the Pac-12 in total offense. Beginning with Arizona State, the Husky defense has a chance to toughen up.

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Roman Tomashoff
ROMAN TOMASHOFF

I've followed the Huskies for my entire life, and to be in a position where I get to cover them full-time is nothing short of an honor. After graduating from Lasell University in 2019, I moved to Seattle to pursue my dream of working in sports media. While writing for the Husky Haul, I also covered local sports for the Everett Daily Herald before the COVID-19 pandemic. After being hired by Realdawg.com in February of 2021, I also transitioned into doing a lot of entertainment writing, as I work on a variety of magazines as a contributing writer for Centennial Media, and have also contributed to Emmy Magazine, as well as Walt Disney Television Studios. 

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