Washington football: Scouting Week 11 opponent Arizona State

Does Washington football’s offense have a chance against ASU’s No. 1 defense?

Arizona State and Washington football both have very strong defenses and are the top two defenses in the Pac-12 conference. ASU has edged itself into first place as they have allowed 7.2 fewer total yards than the UW (on average).

The Huskies’ biggest threat on offense is going to be Arizona State linebacker Darien Butler. Butler leads the team in both tackles for loss (7.5) and interceptions (3). He also has 60 total tackles and two sacks.

Defensive lineman Tyler Johnson will be another for the Huskies to stop. Washington’s offensive line hasn’t performed well this season and protecting their quarterback has been a big issue. Johnson may have only 26 total tackles but he also has 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.

Eight other players, including defensive lineman D.J. Davidson and linebacker Kyle Soelle, have a combined 33 tackles for loss.

ASU’s defense has limited opponents to only 12 rushing touchdowns and nine passing touchdowns.

In Arizona State’s three losses, they have been limited to at least 21 points. This is better than Washington’s offense has scored 21 points or less in six games this season.

Final thoughts…

For an already struggling Husky offense who is on the verge of firing their head coach, a game against the number one Pac-12 defense isn’t going to be an easy one.

Washington’s head coach Jimmy Lake was suspended for a sideline conflict following last week’s game versus Oregon. Defensive coordinator Bob Gregory was named the interim head coach in the meantime while wide receivers coach Junior Adams will handle play-calling responsibilities following offensive coordinator John Donovan’s firing.