In what might be one of the most impressive performances of the 2024 Washington Huskies football season, the Huskies were able to overwhelm the UCLA Bruins with an unexpected and enjoyable pass rush in the 31-19 Big Ten conference win.
Heck, on Friday against UCLA in Husky Stadium, the Huskies even managed to keep a Big Ten team from scoring 20 or more points for the first time since October 5.
What a way to wrap up the home slate of games, huh?
Russell Davis II had a breakout game against the Bruins as he racked up three sacks and played a key role in causing headaches for Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers. In total, Washington had nine tackles for loss and six sacks on Friday.
That’s a huge thing to be excited about, especially considering how UCLA had hit a hot streak and won three in a row coming into the weekend. Washington’s defense stepped up in a huge way to slow the Bruins consistently.
Washington Huskies defense shows up in huge way in 31-19 home win against UCLA Bruins
"Nine tackles for losses, six sacks. Deuce Davis three sacks, so really excited for him," Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch said in his postgame press conference.
But it wasn’t just Davis who was on the receiving end of Fisch’s praise. The head coach of the Huskies was also quick to acknowledge the contributions of several other key defense leaders for UW in Washington’s solid, 12-point win over UCLA.
Voi Tunuufi and linebacker Alphonzo Tuputala both played huge roles in helping the Huskies get this win.
"Our senior group did a great job, really all of them. Voi played fantastic, Zo played fantastic, making plays all over the field," Fisch added. "Really proud of that group."
By beating the Bruins, Washington was able to advance to 6-5 on the season and 4-4 in Big Ten play. Now the Huskies have won 20 home games in a row and the Huskies have secured bowl eligibility. All things considered, that’s not bad. Now UW has a bye week before the Huskies head to Eugene to take on the No. 1 Oregon Ducks.