5 takeaways from Washington football victory over Oregon State

Takeaway one: The Washington Huskies have a great defense

The strength of the Washington Huskies this season did not include defense in the preseason scouting reports. This team had eight returning players on offense, and was poised to win shootouts.

But the team did not read the script.

This 2017 version of the Washington Huskies is all about defense. Serious defense. On one hand, they have not allowed a 100 yard rusher.  On the other hand, they have not allowed a 200 yard passer. As a matter of fact, they have surrendered passing yards in the amount of 178, 123, 98, 171 and 74 yards respectively.

Remember their names

And then you factor in their takeaways, and you begin to get the picture. It starts up front. You the names: Vita Vea, Greg Gaines, and two new names Jaylen Johnson and his backup Levi Onwuzurike.

It all starts up front. The Washington defensive front seven is on of the nation’s best. Blessed with size, strength, speed, and expertise, the defense is outstanding so far five games into the season.  While both Gaines and Vea have been outstanding, Onwuzurike has been impacting each game so far. The linebackers of Azeem Victor, Keishawn Bierra, Ben Burr-Kirven, and walk-on Ryan Bowman have been outstanding as well.