Washington's Pass Rush Will Be Key Against Texas

The Huskies could have an advantage against the Longhorns' offensive line.

The Washington Huskies' pass rush has fallen under a lot of scrutiny this season. Although led by projected first-round NFL draft pick Bralen Trice, the Huskies collected only 19 sacks during the regular season, the lowest amount in the Pac-12.

Yet Trice, who has a nation-high 68 pressures according to Pro Football Focus, and the rest of Washington's pass rush could still hold the advantage over Texas' offensive line. 

The Longhorns allowed 26 sacks this year, which ranks 11th in the Big 12, and the inconsistent protection could be a weak point that co-defensive coordinators Chuck Morrell and William Inge attempt to exploit.

Sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers could have trouble Washington's defensive line, which was the case in the 2022 Alamo Bowl. With the addition of promising edge rusher Zach Durfee to the position depth, the Huskies could find more ways to make Ewers uncomfortable.

"Genetically, he's maybe the best in the room just by who can run the fastest, who can jump the highest, who's the strongest, you know what I mean," edge rushers coach Eric Schmidt said. "I think he might be pound for pound that guy."

Durfee shouldn't be expected to play a huge role in the defense just yet, but his athleticism could provide a spark up front and enable senior Zion Tupuola-Fetui to operate with more freedom on the edge while not taking as many snaps.

The Huskies will look to generate more pressure from their interior linemen. The defensive tackles have not recorded a sack this season and this situation could play an important role in the outcome of the Sugar Bowl.

The coaching staff has deployed its so-called "turbo package" in obvious passing situations when it lines up edge rushers Voi Tunuufi and Jacob Lane in defensive tackle spots, and they've presented problems for opposing offensive lines.

If the Huskies can find a way to generate pressure against the Longhorns' offensive line, they could force Ewers into bad throws and generate the kind of momentum they did against Oregon in the Pac-12 championship game.

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